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Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
Isaiah 9:1-6
Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14
Summary
We celebrate the extraordinary birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who
comes to us as a little child, born into times of great turbulence. We cele-
brate the joy of his presence in our lives.
Reflection
After all the busyness of getting ready for Christmas, the long awaited day is
finally here! If you are reading this reflection on Christmas Day, you may be
taking a break from preparing a meal for family or friends. Or perhaps you
are getting ready to visit friends or family. Perhaps you are spending a quiet
day at home on your own. Christmas celebrations take on all forms.
As we reflect on this beautiful painting of the Nativity, you may be struck, as
I am, by the way in which it captures the essence of what we think Christmas
should be all about: peace, tranquility, quiet wonder and awe at the incarna-
tion of the Prince of
Peace among us. And
yet, for many of us,
Christmas will be any-
thing but peaceful and
tranquil, allowing little
time for wonder and
awe at the birth of the
Son of God as a tiny hu-
man baby.
It’s easy to forget that in
fact Jesus’ birth also
took place in a context
which was anything but
peaceful and tranquil.