Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - December 25, 2024
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”
Christmas Day
Gift-Giving at Christmas has been tarnished for some because of the consumerism and commercialism attached to it. Margaret Visser says that the lack of meaningful relationships in many people's lives leaves an emptiness that people try to fill with purchases. "Objects are simpler than people, shopping easier than conversation or attempts to understand others' needs."
But happily, there are many who understand that giving echoes or reflects God's gift to us of God's Son. Our gifts, whether material, verbal, or of service, at least minimally symbolize some gift of self on our part. Simply put, Christians are happy that God became human in Jesus and in response want to give something from their happiness to others.
Giving, however it shows itself, is a reflection of God's gift of Jesus and much else. It stems from gratitude for many gifts: creation, our existence, our life and opportunities, all that family and friends mean to us and much else special to each one of us. Giving and sharing greetings can reinforce for the recipients the reality of God's love for them. And conversely those who give should know that they and their giving are evidence of God's love. God's gift in the manger to all of humankind echoes throughout the year in all the signs we show of self-giving in our words and deeds.
The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord." (Luke 2)
Merry Christmas!
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
