2ND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

(Sirach 24:1-2, 8-12; Ps 71; Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18; John 1:1-18)

Theme: Make Real the Essence of Christmas

This second Sunday of Christmas reminds us that we are not done with the celebration of Christmas; hence, the reflection on the meaning of Christmas must continue, and the refilling of our hearts and minds with the Lord’s glorious faith, gifts, and presence must continue.

In today’s second reading, St Paul reminds us that we were predestined in love and for the purpose of God’s will to be His sons and daughters to the praise of His glorious grace. Hence, the Father of glory sent His Son to come in the flesh to redeem us. In the first reading, Ben Sirach reminds us that Wisdom has taken root in us, the honoured people of the Creator of all things.

Thus, St Paul reminds us in the second reading that the Lord is in, with, and by us to enlighten us, to reveal His reason for adopting us, which is to usher us into the divine life of wisdom, knowledge and hope that inspires us to embrace a glorious tomorrow on earth and in heaven.

We should feel elated because, as St John noted in today’s gospel, the Lord has granted us the right to become, to be known as God’s children and illumined our being with the light of virtue that darkness cannot overcome. Therefore, we are blessed and loved by the Lord; we are not second-class citizens in God’s house; hence, we should strive to uphold our faith in Christ Jesus, to renew our love of God in word and action, and make our lives a reflection of God’s mercy, love, truth, courage, and peace.

This year, our objective should be to share the blessings of Christmas. First, we must renew our commitment as children of God through daily prayer, active participation in the sacraments and in all our civic responsibilities. Secondly, following the example of John the Baptist, we have been commission – through our adoption in Christ Jesus and with the support of the Church of Christ – to demonstrate to others, including family members and friends, that we are reborn of God, and that they can also become reborn as children of God, pursue success and become winners in their personal and professional lives. Together, we can become true, successful, joyful, and influential images of God.