Christmas Vigil. Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96:1-13, Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-14
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Dear friends in Christ, we gather this great night to keep vigil like the shepherds who watched over their flock by night. Night symbolises darkness (the absence of light), implying the absence of joy, love, or peace. When sin reigns in our lives, we are in darkness.
- When Jesus was born, it did not make the news. People went about their regular activities. God had to send the angels to announce the birth of Christ to shepherds watching over their flocks. Why shepherds? Why not the rulers and influential persons in towns? Announcing the good news to shepherds is symbolic. God Himself is our Shepherd, who has come to lead us by the hand.
- The people to whom Isaiah prophesied in our first reading were a people in darkness. Isaiah prophesied that Christ, the world’s light, would dwell in their midst and wipe out the darkness. The Angels announced this to the shepherds who kept watch at night: “For to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.”
- Ironically, as this great news was being announced, Mary and Joseph were in a different kind of darkness - an obscure manger amid animals. No inn was available, and no one was kind enough to pity a pregnant woman and open their doors. Nevertheless, what God has said must come to pass. The absence of a dignified hospital could not stop the light of God from coming into the world.
- We live in a country experiencing various forms of darkness. For instance, good-spirited Nigerians came out during this period to share food items with the poor, but we hardly heard stampedes occurring during such occasions. Sometimes, people are even ashamed of coming out, and organisers easily attend to those who do. However, the rising inflation (coupled with the harsh economic climate) has thrown many into hunger, leading to large crowds overwhelming the organisers. Certain food items considered “hope for the poor” have suddenly become unaffordable.
- Amidst the darkness we face across the world, one question I am yet to find an answer to is: “What would have been the world’s fate if Jesus was not born?” No doubt, it would have been a much darker world. Is it the case that Jesus’ light isn’t shining enough? No. It is the case that we who address ourselves by Jesus’ name (we who call ourselves Christians do not reflect that light we receive from Jesus). We forget that we ought to be the light and salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13-14)
- Hence, in today’s Second Reading, St Paul calls us to order: “Live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, Jesus Christ, who gave his life to redeem us from all iniquity and make for himself a people who are zealous for good deeds.” As we pray for God’s Divine light, let us know that God will not bring us out of the darkness of sin without our cooperation. Repent from sin. Let your light shine.
- We are part of the darkness when we do not allow Jesus Christ to be born again in our lives or when we disobey God’s commandments. We all have a share in the collective darkness we face as a people, and unless we decide to repent, we cannot experience the joy and light Christ’s birth brings to the world. Consider the Christmas tree. See how beautiful it shines with all the lights and decorations. This tree ought to be a symbol of our lives. Let us go out to the world and allow our lights to shine.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we are in darkness, come and save us. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Christmas Mass at Midnight. Bible Study: Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96:1-13, Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-14).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu