Gospel of Luke 2:15-20
hen the angels went away from them to heaven,
Luke 2:15-20
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
Christmas Day Gospel Reflection
Merry Christmas! The day is finally here and I hope that everyone has a blessed time with friends and family!
While the holidays are a time of joy where we look forward to Jesus’s arrival with expectant hearts, they can be a difficult time for some. Whether it is struggles with family members, financial hardship, or someone not present this year due to death or divorce, a season that is meant to bring with it such joy, peace, and gratitude can become a time of depression, anxiety, and sadness.
Families are complicated. Wounds sustained by family members are difficult to overcome and can overshadow the occasion. Financial struggles make it difficult to live up to the increasingly materialistic aspect of Christmas. Death & divorce can make our families feel fractured and incomplete.
In these moments, let us remember that Jesus is coming to save and heal us. Jesus wants us to jump for joy at His arrival as John the Baptist did in Elizabeth’s womb! This is only possible if we keep Him at the center of our minds and hearts. Take those struggles to Him and you will find the healing power of Christ.
If you have much to be thankful for, do not forget those that are struggling at this time. The holidays are a time for generous hearts. If you know someone who does not have anyone to share Christmas with, consider inviting them into your home for a meal this Christmas. Consider donating a scarf or winter hat to your local shelter for those who are cold. In moments we are the ones who need care, but there are also moments that we can care for others.
I pray that all of you enjoy the season of Christmas!
This article was originally published here.
Image: Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash
