Gospel Reading
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.
But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.
Jn 1:1-18
Gospel Reflection
Christus Natus Est, Alleluia!
Christ is born, Alleluia! We hear in scripture the words of the angel announcing to the shepherds "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 Messiah and Lord" (Lk 2:10-11). The Messiah, the Christ Child, has been born for each one of us.
For us today, they are powerful reassurance that no matter what difficulty you are enduring, no matter what challenges you face, and no matter what your circumstances might be, a Savior has been born for you! Yes, He came to save each of us individually.
If you are struggling with your faith because of some crisis or hurt in your life or among your friends, Christ, the God of consolation, was born for you to offer you His strength.
If you are struggling with your physical or mental health or are anxiously awaiting the results of a medical test, Christ, the Divine Healer, was born for you to offer you His healing.
If you are struggling with finances, your job, or are worried about how you will be able to make ends meet in the coming year, Christ, the great provider, was born for you to offer you His providential care.
Whatever your struggles today, peer into the crib and see the Child sent from God to each one of us and offer Him your struggles. As we celebrate Christmas, I offer you and your families my prayers that you will experience deeply the peace that only the Christ Child can grant to each of us. May the Savior truly reign in your hearts, minds, and souls during this Christmas Season.
Merry Christmas!
+Bishop Schlert
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