RECOGNISE THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IN YOUR MIDST (Micah 5:1-4; Heb. 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-44).
By REV. FR. PAUL ANIGBORO
Christmas is here already. A season of joy and happiness is here upon us again when we reflect on our Lord's coming in flesh over 2000 years ago. Today's readings offers us a message of hope and the readiness to accept and recognize God's presence in our midst.
The first reading (Micah 5:1-4) presents us with the assurances of the Prophet Micah to the people that humble beginnings do matter. From Bethlehem, the least of the tribes is where the Saviour of the world would come from. He goes further to state that in his days, the remnant of Yahweh will return as the Lord feeds his flock with power. He concludes that the people will live secure and peaceful as the Lord extends his dynasty to the ends of the earth.
In the second reading (Hebrews 10:5-10), the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us the purpose of Christ coming, which is to offer himself for us and to be holy. He emphasizes that our sacrifices, holocausts and oblations makes no sense to him but he delights in obedience to God's will.
The gospel (Luke 1:39-44) recounts the visititation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her kinswoman Elizabeth. Saint Luke reveals how Mary’s greeting made the child in the womb of Elizabeth leap for joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth said, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
Today's readings dear friends offers us great insight into what we are expected to do as Christians. It reminds us that we too, like Elizabeth must be opened to the Spirit of God, so that we may recognise the presence of Christ in our midst.
Secondly, humility matters greatly in knowing and recognising God. Among the tribes of Israel, God could have made the messiah to come from the eldest but he chose the least of the tribes. Our standing with God has to do with how humble we are and how willing we are to recognise the presence of God in our lives. Elizabeth, was humble despite the fact that she was far older than Mary. She was humble to realise and recognise the fact that an ordinary person wasn't standing in her front.
In addition, miracles of others evoke faith in us. Just as the angel’s message to the Virgin Mary that her kinswoman Elizabeth had conceived served to evoke faith in her, we are reminded that God enables miracles in the lives of our friends, nieghbours or family members to teach us that he has not passed us – meaning that our miracle is on the way.
Our God is a God of possibility for with him everything is possible. The conception of an old sterile woman, Elizabeth assures that nothing is possible to God.
In conclusion, as we celebrate the joy of Christmas, let us do well to put smiles on people's faces this period. Christmas won't be interesting when you are the only one smiling. Let others smile through you.
*I EQUALLY WANT TO THANK GOD AND PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AS I CELEBRATE MY BIRTHDAY TODAY* .
Good morning and do have a wonderful Sunday. God loves you.
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