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Reflection for Sunday 12/25/11

Readings for Today:
1ST Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
2ND Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

Readings for Next Week:
1ST Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
2ND Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION FOR NEXT WEEK’S READINGS
Certain events change everything — the end of war, a new relationship, the birth of a child. Paul tells us the coming of Christ was such an event. Can anyone believe God became human and continue to live as before? Paul insists God’s work in Christ changed us at our core. We are not slaves as before, but we are God’s children! That metaphor may not touch us as deeply as it should because we can’t see the wide chasm between a slave and a child of the household as well as Paul’s audience did. The slave, who was no more than property, is adopted, becomes a child and therefore a coheir of all that the natural children will inherit. Only God could work such a wonder. But are we sur-prised that a God who allows us to call him Daddy (“Abba”) would love us that much? Look at how Aaron is instructed to bless the people: “The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:25 – 26). God loves us face-to-face with personal, not generic, love. That news is worth announcing boldly. And, having stood face-to-face with the child Jesus, that’s exactly what the shepherds do. They made the message known because it wouldn’t sit still within their hearts. Mary could sit back and reflect on these things because the simple shepherds — the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth — were out announcing them for all to hear!

“So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God” (Galatians 4:7).

SHARING FAITH:
What is one of your treasured memories, something you keep and reflect on in your heart? How is it a memory of God?

LIVING THE LITURGY:
With a friend or loved one, use crayons, markers, calligraphy pens, or even a computer to create a small card with the words of the blessing from the Numbers reading: “The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:25 – 26). Tape it to your mirror so you see it each morning as you start your day.

The Word to Go © 2011 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.