Reflection/Homily: Fourth (4th) Sunday of Advent Year A (Dec. 22 2013)

Short Reflection/Homily: Fourth (4^th) Sunday of Advent Year A (Dec. 22 2013)

Theme: Emmanuel – God is With Us

In the gospel reading (Mt. 1:18-24), we see the evangelist presenting Christ as the fulfillment of the Emmanuel Prophecy which Isaiah recorded in the first reading (Is. 7:10-14). Today, the Church invites us to reflect on the identity of Jesus as the “God-with-us”. He has come to dwell among His people to assist us in our needs and to save us from all evil. As the season of Advent gradually comes to an end, we are reminded today that at Christmas, we celebrate the anniversary of His glorious incarnation; the manner in which He came to be with us. 

For over 2,000 years, Jesus has been with us in the Church, in the Sacraments of the Church especially the Eucharist and even in our brothers and sisters. As we celebrate Christmas, do you still recognize the God who has been with us? Did you feel His impact in your life all through the year especially at those difficult moments you were victorious? As we celebrate the anniversary of His birth, how can you repay Him for the joy He has caused you and for the salvation He brought you? You can do this by becoming a true apostle like St. Paul in the 2^nd Reading (Rom. 1:1-7) who will disseminate the gospel of Christ this Christmas not just by words of mouth but by example. 

You can do this by the practice of virtues and the avoidance of vices. Examples include: refusing to cheat anyone this Christmas in your business, demanding a just reward for your services and being generous to people especially the less privileged. As you do this, may the joy of Christmas ever abide with you. Have a Christ-filled celebration. Happy Sunday!