Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Readings of the Day

Our last reading of the year starts sullen and dreary. It reminds me this year surrounded us with hardships. But then the psalm jolts us to sing a new song and proclaim daily the good news that the Lord saves.

When our lives, agencies and world spiral in loss, fear and hatred, we can feel overwhelmed and lonely. Yet God, the holy Creator of heaven and earth, became flesh and dwells among and within us. He chose and chooses to enter our pain and that of our lost loved ones – parents, spouses, children, friends, colleagues and clients. He walks alongside and abundantly provides for us to fulfill his will. In our world where darkness too often can seem to suffocate our personal and professional lives, our agencies and dioceses – God, Emmanuel, is with us. He is for us. He is light. He dwells among us in glory and full of grace and truth.

Howard Thurman’s “The Work of Christmas” pronounces: When the song of the angels is stilled,/ when the star in the sky is gone,/ when the kings and princes are home,/ when the shepherds are back with their flocks,/ the work of Christmas begins:/ to find the lost,/ to heal the broken,/ to feed the hungry,/ to release the prisoner,/ to rebuild the nations,/ to bring peace among the people,/ to make music in the heart.

As this Christmas and decade close, let’s acknowledge hard-pressed challenges and sorrows, and steadfastly lean into the eternal arms and embrace of Love, Grace, Joy and Light. May we welcome each new day with songs that proclaim the good news and goodness of a God who loves and dwells among us. May his peace, comfort, wisdom, strength and love guide us throughout this new year in who we are and all that we do.

Malissa Geer serves as Sr. Director of Faith, Community and Volunteer Engagement for Catholic Charities Community Services in the Diocese of Phoenix. Her team focuses on securing volunteer, in-kind and partnership resources for their mission work to serve the most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives. She enjoys community development, teaching, supporting dreams, and loving God and people – especially her daughters Elliot (18) and Aldyn (16).

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