Advent Reflection for Christmas 2016

By (CHA) Catholic Health Association

Where God is Born, Hope is Born

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,

And they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means “God is with us.” (Mt. 1:23)

This reflection is adapted from the Christmas message of Pope Francis in 2015.

Christ is born for us, let us rejoice in the day of our salvation! Let us open our hearts to receive the grace of this day, which is Christ himself. Jesus is the radiant “day” which has dawned on the horizon of humanity. A day of mercy, in which God our Father has revealed his great tenderness to the entire world. A day of light, which dispels the darkness of fear and anxiety. A day of peace, which makes for encounter, dialogue and, above all, reconciliation.

On this day, Jesus, the Savior, is born of the Virgin Mary. We see the sign which God has given us: “a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, may we too set out to see this sign, this event which is renewed yearly in the Church.

Christmas is an event which is renewed in every family, parish and community which receives the love of God made incarnate in Jesus Christ. With the shepherds, let us bow down and worship God’s goodness made flesh!

Where God is born, hope is born. He brings hope.

Where God is born, peace is born; and where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war. 

Where God is born, hope is born; and where hope is born, persons regain their dignity.

Yet even today, great numbers of men and woman are deprived of their human dignity and, like the child Jesus, suffer cold, poverty and rejection. May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulnerable.

Where God is born, mercy flourishes. Today, then, let us come together to rejoice in the day of our salvation. As we contemplate the Crib, let us gaze on the open arms of Jesus—the merciful embrace of God. We hear the voice of the Child who whispers to us: “Peace.”