The Nativity of the Lord

Readings of the Day

It is finally here! After the preparations for our family and friends, cards, gift giving, and not to mention the often frenetic scurrying around to serve our clients… For me, the days of Advent often do not have much of a feel of waiting, as there’s too much to "do." Our surroundings- stores, television, activities- all show us the "commercial way" to do December 25th. Our donors and benefactors graciously and generously give gifts and toys and money to help us "make Christmas." Well, our best efforts are now complete, Santa Claus has come for children with believing eyes, and dinner has been prepared for our sisters and brothers. 

I am so grateful to have taken time to stop and "do Advent" now! In the collect for today’s Mass at Dawn we hear: "Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, as we are bathed in the new radiance of your incarnate Word, the light of faith, which illumines our minds, may also shine through in our deeds." Yes, Lord: Marantha. Come!

The readings- and there are many for Christmas Eve, Dawn, and Day- invite us to "rejoice," "give glory with angels," see the child, walk with the shepherds, and recognize he who is the "refulgence of glory." And in the Mass for Christmas Day we hear the prologue of John's Gospel - I never remember hearing it on Christmas Day! 

The reading we will probably hear is from Luke 2:1-14, the familiar story of Jesus’ birth in the manger because there was no room at the inn. I was deeply challenged with this from a reflection from The Contemplative Monk: "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus."

Happy deciding and Merry Christmas!

Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ serves with Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Albany, NY and is the chair of the CCUSA Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team.

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