December 24, 2013

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2013:  Tuesday, 4th week of Advent / Christmas Eve

Readings

Morning:  Advent
Wordle: Readings 12-24-13 AM
  • 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16  Lord to King David via Nathan:  “Should you build me a house?  I chose you, have been with you, and will make you famous.  My people will dwell safely.  I'll establish a House for you, raise up your heir, make his Kingdom firm, be father to him.  Your throne shall stand forever.”
  • Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29  "For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."  God's covenant with David will stand firm.
  • Lk 1:67-79  Zechariah prophesied:  “Blessed be God who came and freed his people, raising up a Savior from the House of David.  He promised to save, show mercy, remember his covenant, and free us to worship him.  You, John, will prepare the Lord's way, giving people knowledge of salvation by forgiveness.  In God's tender compassion, dawn shall shine on those in darkness and to guide us to the way of peace.”
Evening:  Christmas vigil

  • Is 62:1-5  Nations shall behold your vindication and kings your glory.  You'll be a crown in the Lord's hand.  People will no longer call you “Forsaken” but rather “My Delight”; God will marry you and rejoice in you.

Wordle: Readings 12-24-13 PM

  • Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29  "For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."  I'll maintain my covenant, my kindness, and your throne forever.  Blessed those who walk in your light; they rejoice and are exalted.

  • Acts 13:16-17, 22-25  Paul:  “God chose our ancestors, led them out of Egypt, raised up David as king, and from his descendants brought a savior, Jesus.  John heralded his coming:  ‘One is coming after me; I'm not worthy to unfasten his sandals.’”
  • Mt 1:1-25  Genealogy of Jesus, son of David, son of Abraham:  14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the Babylonian exile, 14 from the exile to Christ.  Before Mary and Joseph lived together, Mary was found with child.  Joseph was about to divorce her, but angel appeared:  “Take Mary into your home; the child was conceived through the Spirit.  Name the child Jesus; he'll save his people.”  This fulfilled the prophecy, “The virgin shall bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, God-is-with-us.”  Joseph did as the angel commanded.
Pope Francis
The Homily:  Pastors, take preaching seriously; heed people's concerns.  We judge pastors' closeness and communication from it.  People consider homilies important; they can be an intense, happy, lifegiving encounters with God’s word.

God wants to reach out and show power through preachers:  People came from everywhere to hear St. Paul, were amazed, and sensed he spoke with authority; God won over their hearts through his preaching.  Christ sent out the apostles to preach and by their words brought all nations to the Church.  (3.II, 135-136, pp. 107-108)
Reflections
    • Creighton:  God wants to be with us personally and invite us into his life.  God "pitched his tent" among us, became one of us in the humanness of Jesus, like us in all things, sharing everything, being with me as I am.
    • RC.net:  Zechariah saw redemption as near; the Messiah would establish peace, restoring our broken relationship with God.  The Spirit wants to show us God's love and care.  We're called to prepare the way leading to Christ. The Lord comes each day with his life-giving Word.  We celebrate God's gift of his only Son to redeem us.  Spirit, fill us with joy and boldness to proclaim the message of the Lord's visitation and redemption.
    Music (not universally associated with Christmas :-)
    Apparel

    • Castle pin:  House of David (1st reading), Joseph taking Mary into his home (gospel)
    • "Angel" tie pin:  angel Gabriel (gospel)
    • "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  Jesus conceived by Holy Spirit
    • Abacus tie pin:  14 × 3 generations (gospel)
    • "Peace sign" tie bar:  the dawn shall guide us to the way of peace (gospel); Jesus, Prince of Peace
    • "Christmas lights" tie:  Jesus, Light of the World
    • "Love" sticker on suspenders (thanks, Lucy):  Love is born
    • Pin (see Dec. 17 for legend):  Christmas!
    Dress your life!

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