31 December: Seventh Day of the Christmas Octave

Gospel: John 1:1-18

‘The Word became flesh and dwelt among us’

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the Only Begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness about him, and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.” ’

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only begotten God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

Reflection

‘God wishes to be incarnate. If your heart seems too contaminated by evil, if it seems disordered, please, do not close yourself up, do not be afraid: he will come. Think of the stable in Bethlehem. Jesus was born there, in that poverty, to tell us that he is certainly not afraid of visiting your heart, of dwelling in a shabby life.’ – Pope Francis

Prayer

God-With-Us, you became flesh and lived among us. Enter our broken hearts, lighten our darkness, and transform our fragmented lives with your grace. We ask you, Jesus, to make your home in the humble stable of our hearts, illuminating every corner of our lives, so that we might reflect your light to a world longing for hope. Amen.

The Gifts of Christmas

The best gifts can’t be wrapped! Adapted from an original Ten Gifts of Christmas by Sister Margaret Schweiss, we suggest offering one of these special gifts to someone in your life who would benefit from them, each day of the Christmas Octave.

The gift of a note

Write notes to your loved ones. They can be as simple as ‘I love you’ or as creative as a sonnet. Put your notes where they will surprise those special people–in a lunchbox, in a bag, a sock drawer, or a cupboard you know they’ll open. Though the notes may be a surprise, they will never be forgotten.