Student Daily Reflection

Midnight Mass:
[14] Isaiah 9:1-6
Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer
The Daily Reflections

“You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing” – Is 9:2

Say the word “Christmas,” and people are bound to have feelings, memories and songs flash through their minds. I, personally, am guilty of listening to Christmas tunes well before Thanksgiving, simply because they cause me to reminisce and make me feel happy. Christmas traditions are numerous and diverse, but I have found that most traditions revolve around togetherness. The Christmas season is a time of expectant waiting and excitement, of gift-buying and creating, of joyful chatter and planning for dinners with family and friends. I love these aspects of the season, and I find them to be quite beautiful and holy.

In reflecting on today’s readings, it makes complete sense that Christmas would be a joyful celebration. On the day of Jesus’ birth, the angel spoke to the shepherds, “I proclaim to you good news of great joy…a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord”. Luke 2:11-12 While historians and theologians acknowledge that Jesus’ historical birth date was likely not the 25th of December, Christmas Day serves as reminder of Jesus’ power and saving grace. Jesus’ teachings and continued presence in our lives today began on the day that he was humbly born in a stable in Bethlehem.

How should we go about celebrating Jesus’ birth? I would like to argue that the greatest celebration would be to live as he called us to live – not just today, but every day. The traditions of Christmas inspire many to love those around them; I have even found that Christmas inspires a greater sense of community among strangers. Have you noticed how strangers often exchange a “Merry Christmas” when their paths cross during the week before Christmas? Christmas serves as a unifying force among us all, bringing together families and strangers alike. If we truly identify Christmas as a celebration of Jesus, then this sense of joy and unity can continue every day of the year. After all, we celebrate Jesus’ birth because of the life that followed! Jesus’ entrance into our world is a cause for celebration, as is his continued presence today.

Merry Christmas to you all! May the joy and love of this day spread to all of our days!