Christmas Day - Emmanuel: God Is With Us (C)
On this holy day, we gather to celebrate the most wondrous event in human history: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Church calls this day the dawn of our salvation, for in the humble manger of Bethlehem, the invisible God becomes visible. The Word is made flesh, and the light of God shines upon the world. Today, we rejoice, for Emmanuel—God with us—has come to dwell among us.
The Christmas story is filled with both beauty and struggle. We hear of Mary, a young girl, and Joseph, a righteous man, who find themselves in a situation that could have brought shame and scandal. Mary is with the child, yet their marriage is not consummated. Faced with a difficult decision, Joseph chooses to act with compassion and kindness. But God intervenes through an angel, revealing to Joseph the divine plan: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (cf. Matthew 1:20).
This moment reminds us that God’s ways often defy human expectations. Mary and Joseph’s lives were turned upside down, yet they trusted God’s promise. Their faith and obedience opened the door for the greatest miracle of all time. In our own lives, we may face uncertainty, hardship, or situations that seem beyond our understanding. The Christmas story invites us to trust God’s presence and plan, even when the path is unclear.
The genealogy of Jesus, as presented by Matthew, is a powerful testament to the inclusive nature of God’s love. Jesus’ lineage includes not only the great patriarchs of Israel but also Gentile women and individuals with complicated, even scandalous, pasts. This is no accident. From the beginning, God has planned to break down barriers—between insiders and outsiders, between the holy and the unholy, between humanity and divinity.
In Jesus, God reaches out to all of us, regardless of our background, mistakes, or societal status. The birth of Christ is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. We are all invited to the manger to encounter the Savior who came for every one of us. This Christmas, let us open our hearts to the truth that God deeply loves us, just as we are. And let us extend that love to others, especially those who feel like outsiders or marginalized.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of a “new name” for Israel, a sign of transformation and renewal. In the same way, the birth of Christ offers us the opportunity for a new beginning. St. Paul experienced this in his own life. Once a persecutor of Christians, he was transformed by an encounter with Christ. His story reminds us that God’s grace can bring about profound change.
We may navigate complex relationships as we gather with family and friends this Christmas. There may be tensions, old wounds, or boundaries we have set. Yet, this is also a time to reflect on our motivations for connection or separation. Are we acting out of fear, pride, or resentment? Or are we open to the healing and reconciling love of Christ? Christmas calls us to reorient our hearts toward God’s call to embrace and celebrate our authentic selves and to seek reconciliation where it is needed.
The name Emmanuel means “God is with us.” This is the heart of the Christmas message. God is not distant or detached. He chose to enter our world, to walk among us, to share in our joys and sorrows. In the face of a tiny, vulnerable baby, we see the depth of God’s love for us. This love is not abstract or theoretical; it is real, tangible, and personal.
As we look upon the manger, we see the face of God. We see a Savior who knows our struggles, our fears, and our hopes. We see a light that cannot be overcome by darkness. This is the light that we carry with us into the world.
The celebration of Christmas is not just about remembering a historical event; it is about allowing Christ to be born in our hearts and our lives. We are called to carry the light of Christ into the world. Like Mary and Joseph, we may not fully understand God’s plan, but we are invited to trust, to love, and to share the good news with others.
This Christmas, let us rejoice in the gift of Emmanuel—God with us. Let us allow His love to transform us and shine through us. And may we share the joy, hope, and peace of Christ with everyone we meet.
Merry Christmas, and may the light of Christ fill your hearts and homes with joy.
