Homily for Christmas vigil Year C
Theme: We celebrate the birth of The King of Kings!
By: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
Homily for Friday December 24 2021
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Isaiah 9:1-7
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:15-20
*INTRODUCTION*
Dear Brothers and sisters, today is the night for which we have been preparing for the past four weeks. This is the night were we have gathered together as one community and one Church in celebrating the moment of the great appearance of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the whole world, as He was born of His Mother Mary in Bethlehem, the city of David over two millenniam years ago.
*WE HAVE A GOOD NEWS*
The good news is simple; God has fulfilled his promise to his people. God is with us. Most importantly, God has shown us his great mercy and love. With the events of this night, we have seen the incredible fidelity of God to us, his people.
*FROM THE FIRST READING*
Our first reading this Christmas night from the prophet Isaiah’s book captures and summarizes what we have achieved through Christ’s birth. The prophet says: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. On those who live in the land of deep shadow, a great light has shone.”
The light of God that shines on us is Christ, the newly born. He is the light of the nations and of all who have accepted him. Never again shall we walk in darkness. He came to dispel the darkness that darkened our hearts and our world.
*FROM THE SECOND READING*
Titus captures it in our second reading, with the birth of Christ today: “The grace of God had appeared, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race…The glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Also, this night we live in a new season of the Grace which God himself has fashioned for us.
*FROM THE GOSPEL READING*
We have been given a duty during this time of Christmas to do what the shepherds and angels did in the Gospel, that is adoring the child Jesus and singing the glory of the Lord. Therefore, our song today and forever shall be: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of goodwill, who enjoy God’s favors.”
*OUR CENTRAL MESSEGE*
This is the time for us to celebrate and remember the most wonderful love of God, given to us so generously and unconditionally. And having received that great and amazing love, it is then just right and proper for us to show the same love for our fellow brothers and sisters, to pass on the love that God has given us and to remind ourselves that we are truly fortunate to be so beloved by God and also by one another. This is how we should celebrate Christmas, with genuine love for God and for our fellow men, and not for our own vainglory.
*CONCLUSION*
May God empower each and every one of us with His love and with the Hope that He has brought in our midst. May all of us have a most blessed Christmas season ahead, Merry Christmas and God bless You!
*Sources*
1. Fr. Canice Chukuemeka Njoki Cssp, GOD’S WORD FROM MY HEART TO MY LIPS.
2.petercanisiusmichaeldavidkang. Daily homilies.
3. Fr. Joseph Nyarko Asare, Daily Homilies online.
4. Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA