The Christmas Proclamation as it is sometimes called comes from the Roman Martyrology. It is usually read on Christmas Eve before the Midnight Mass. The proclamation sets the birth of Jesus in relationship to events of the Old Testament as well as the Greek and Roman worlds. It is a way of dating Jesus’ birth different from modern dating systems. The National Catholic Register offers … Continue reading The Christmas Proclamation
Regardless of what the last year has been for us and whether we consider the changes it brought to be for better or for worse it is deeply rooted in the Christmas story.
I am not talking about the then and there Christmas story, the one that starts out “In those days” and takes place “in that region.” I am talking about the here and now Christmas story, the one that is taking place in these days and in this region. After all, that’s really the only Christmas story that matters. Continue reading The Poetry Of Christmas – A Christmas Eve Sermon on Luke 2:1-20
The Christmas Proclamation as it is sometimes called comes from the Roman Martyrology. It is usually read on Christmas Eve before the Midnight Mass. The proclamation sets the birth of Jesus in relationship to events of the Old Testament as well as the Greek and Roman worlds. It is a way of dating Jesus’ birth different from modern dating systems. The National Catholic Register offers … Continue reading The Proclamation of the Birth of Christ
Luke 2:1-20 I come to this Christmas Eve with mixed feelings. This has been one of those years when it seemed as if Christmas just couldn’t get here soon enough. I’ve felt an urgency and necessity about Christmas this year that I haven’t in recent years. And yet, I also find Christmas this year to be more challenging and difficult. Here’s why I say that. … Continue reading What Will You Bring to the Manger? – A Christmas Eve Sermon on Luke 2:1-20
This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world; So let no one threaten; This is the night of the Most Gentle One – Let no one be cruel; This is the night of the Humble One – Let no one be proud. Now is the day of joy – Let us not revenge; Now is the day of Good Will – Let us not … Continue reading The Ethics of Christmas – The Nativity Sermon of Isaac the Syrian
So what’s next? The crowds have dispersed, the hymns have been sung, and Christmas Eve has given way to the dawn of a new day. This morning’s light has overcome the night’s darkness. The waiting is over. The child has been born and the angel has announced the good news of great joy. So now what? What comes after the birth announcement? What do we … Continue reading From Fact to Meaning – A Christmas Day Sermon on Luke 2:8-20
“To you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:1-14) That says it all. That’s the Christmas truth. It’s the only thing that needs to be said or really even can be said. And it’s the only thing I have to tell you tonight. Nothing more, nothing less. They are the angel’s words to … Continue reading The Manger of Christ Never Disappoints – A Christmas Eve Sermon on Luke 2:1-14
“He was a baby, a child, so that you may become a complete, mature person. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes, so that you might be freed from the bonds of death. He was in a manger, so that you may be on the altar. He came to earth so that you may be in the stars. He had no place in the inn, … Continue reading He and Us – Thoughts on the Nativity from St. Ambrose
She gave birth, wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger. It’s all rather matter of fact as St. Luke tells it (Luke 2:1-20; Christmas Eve). It sounds like it could be any birth. It was probably like a lot of births throughout the world today. A newborn, a blanket of sorts, and a makeshift crib. “Good news of great joy,” the … Continue reading Gazing into the Face of a New Beginning – A Christmas Sermon on Luke 2:1-20
At Christmas we often think, and rightfully so, of God’s gift of Jesus to the world. We celebrate and rejoice that God has been born into this world as one of us. God is with us in a new way. God has given us himself in the baby Jesus. The early Church, while recognizing God’s gift to his people, also understood and saw the nativity … Continue reading What are you Giving for Christmas?
