The Virgin Mary gave birth to the Lord Jesus during the stillness of the night. Wrapped in swaddling clothes, the little child huddled with his mother Mary and Joseph in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. He who was the radiant eternal light came to a land of gloom, among a people who walked in darkness.
The angelic choirs brought the glorious light of the Savior to the shepherds living in the fields. Jesus was the source of the angel’s jubilant glow. He was the reason for the celestial choir’s joyful glee. Born of the Father before all ages, true God from true God, light from light, for all eternity is always surrounded by the multitude of angelic hosts. He brought his radiant splendor to the little town of Bethlehem and let this heavenly light shine on those who walked in darkness.
St. Paul reminded Titus, in the second reading today, that Jesus brought his holy, merciful light to us, so that in this land of gloom, where many still walk in darkness we might radiate his eternal radiance with the undaunted eagerness to do what is good, to be light for the world. Paul’s message to Titus echoed what the angel announced to the shepherds. “I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The joy of this blessed night is for all the people.
The Lord Jesus came from the eternal light of his Father’s heavenly throne. He made his humble dwelling among us, resting in a manger, to ignite this everlasting celestial fire in the hearts of all people. Contemplating the light of Jesus, as did those first shepherds, we eagerly reflect the light of Christ by doing what is good, by sharing God’s wisdom and mercy with joyful hearts. The joyful radiance of the angelic choirs on that most holy night is to be prolonged in the lives of the Lord’s disciples.
Though we may still be walking in darkness, dwelling in a world filled with gloom, Paul reminded us of the blessed hope that will not disappoint. Jesus has opened the gates of heaven. He has chosen us to be his pilgrims of hope living temperately, justly, and devoutly in this perplexing age, with our eyes fixed on the eternal light of mercy that has come into the world.
We do so confidently because Jesus has included us in the heavenly choir. Encouraged by Paul’s admonition to Titus, we prolong the singing of the celestial chorus. The antiphon of the angels echoes in hearts of all those who believe. “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the rhythm of our lives and the manner of our speech harmonize with the heavens, even now, those who walk in darkness will see the light of Christ in us. Those who dwell in the land of gloom will discover in the faces of eager, faithful pilgrims the healing, consoling light of Jesus shining upon them.
Into the cold bleakness of loneliness, we can bring the warm light of companionship. Against the dark blindness of hatred, we can be the dawn of compassion. To those moaning with despair we sing of hope. To those lost in the shadows we lift the candle of holy wisdom and divine mercy. May we never tire of doing these things as well as all the good God enables us to do because, like the angels on that first Christmas night, the light is not our own. We reflect the glory of Christ that has come into the world full of mercy, wisdom, and joy.