Dwell - Missionary Commentary for Christmas, December 25, 2023

Readings for the Mass during the Day

Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
Hebrews 1:1-6
John 1:1-18

USCCB link to Sunday Readings

Download a  shareable .pdf

Dwell. 

Often we move into a neighborhood, set up our household, find the grocery and drug store, figure out our commute to work, and create a daily routine of work and personal time. 

Do we even say “hi” to the people passing us on the sidewalk? Do we stop to get to know our neighbors who live across the street? Can we hear people talking nearby or are their cries, their laughter, blocked by our earphones? Do we look people in the eye or is our head buried in our cell phone? Do we dwell in a place, among a people? 

Jesus dwelt among us and taught us in so many ways how to dwell among others. His first lesson is the hardest. To be totally vulnerable and put our lives in the hands of others like a baby, born in an occupied land, as a refugee fleeing for their life. 

Our advent ends soon. As we think back about our Advent journey, we may have entered more deeply into all the ways we need a savior. Perhaps we were given the grace through our watching, waiting, preparing, and longing to create some space where Jesus can be born again in us. We cleaned out some cobwebs. We tossed some files of slights, sins, and hurts. We let ourselves be empty. Perhaps we turned some of our swords into plowshares. Perhaps we crossed to the other side. 

Even now, as Christmas arrives, Advent still continues. Jesus came to Mary and Joseph waited. Jesus came to Joseph, and the shepherds stood watch. Jesus came to the shepherds with a chorus of heavenly hosts and the Magi searched for him. The Magi found him, paid him homage, but the people waited. John came preaching repentance. And behold, the Word of God immerses himself in our pain, sin, and dysfunction to redeem us through his sacrificial love. 

Perhaps Advent truly ends when we, like Jesus, dwell among others, sent by God to proclaim the Gospel through the witness of our lives, the depth of our encounter, the fidelity of our accompaniment, and the sincerity of our service. Saint John joyfully proclaimed that we, who believe in Jesus, are born anew as Children of God and brothers and sisters to everyone.
    

Notes on the Sunday Readings

First Reading
The Prophet Isaiah proclaims the redemption of Israel when God himself will be their king bringing peace and salvation.

Psalm 
Today we sing of the saving power of God – not only for the house of Israel but for all nations. 

Second Reading
Saint Paul stresses that Jesus is the Son of God, “far superior” than angels, heir of all things, through whom he created the universe, the refulgence of God’s glory, the very imprint of his being, “who sustains all things by his mighty word.” 

Gospel
Taken from the “Mass during the day,” the Gospel is the first 18 verses of the Gospel of Saint John. It begins before creation itself (the Word was with God) and it is through the Word of God that “all things came to be.” The Word of God brings life and light. John was sent to testify about him. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” revealing his glory. Moses gave us the law. Grace and truth come through Jesus Christ who reveals the unseen God. 

Notes and Commentary by Don McCrabb, D. Min., 
Executive Director of the USCMA.

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