“Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.” (Lk 1:58)

 “Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.” (Lk 1:58) 

 Today’s Passage: Lk 1:57-66

Meditation: The meditation verse we have before us today really calls upon us to examine ourselves and do the final preparation for Christmas. Why does the holy mother church do the same thing in these days? For, she thinks that no one should be left without receiving the fruit of Christmas. How does this verse help us to do the final touch to our preparations? In what way, we are to do this and get properly into the message of Christmas.

I think we have to think in the direction of the joy of the neighbors and relatives. Remember the verse; “Her neighbors and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her.” (Lk 1:58) The reason for their joy and celebration with her is Lord’s mercy toward her. They were in touch with Elizabeth all these years, they were good neighbors and friends and they know that how she is prayerful, righteous, and God fearing. They knew that how earnestly and sincerely she longed for a child.

Now the moment they came to know about the news that she gave birth to a son, they all rejoiced with her. This rejoicing together has got a meaning. In these Christmas days, we find that many are after Christmas gatherings and celebrations. Of course, it goes beyond our neighbors and relatives; even to the extent of coming together of all walks of life. Does it communicate the same message of joy we find in today’s meditation verse? Or is it simply a merry making and worldly enjoyment in the name of the birth of Jesus?

Do we lose Jesus on Christmas day? The importance given to Santa Claus instead of Infant Jesus, the priority given to Christmas tree, stars, and gifts instead of infant Jesus, the disappearance of Jesus from the Christmas cards may help us to think that way. Are we pretty happy and satisfied with the huge Christmas coverage we find on the newspapers in the form of advertisements? Remember, they are not inviting us to meet Jesus, but only to their business.

Let our honest preparation for receiving our savior Jesus attract, many of our neighbors and friends to rejoice with in this Christmas season. Here I smell the real meaning of Pope Francis’ saying, “It is not by proselytizing, but by attraction” that evangelization gets its fruit. Have a blessed fruitful preparation!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you and praise you for your daily eternal bread and especially for this occasion of Christmas. This is an occasion for us to give witness to you before our brethren. In order that our celebration be attracted by others in its real sense, first we have to be genuine in our preparations, in our attitude toward Christmas. Lord, help us to prepare ourselves earnestly and honestly for this Christmas. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!

 Greetings: God is with you! Have a nice and blissful Tuesday…