As I enjoy breakfast this morning on Christmas Eve, I am deeply thankful for the hand of God upon my family, especially after a long drive to visit my side of the family for Christmas, including my dear mother, whom I haven’t seen in a few years. I thank God for His guiding hand in her life. At over ninety years old, she remains vibrant and socially active—more so than I am!—and I clearly see the light of Christ shining within her, filled with the love of Jesus (cf. John 8:12: “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”). I praise God for caring for her, keeping her strong and sound, even in her old age (cf. Isaiah 46:4: “Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save”).
With my children in another city, I thank God for His protective hand upon us all. The time away from home has allowed my son to rest and continue his work, especially after falling ill during a recent business trip. As he and his partner launched their new startup company earlier this year, I thank God for His abundant blessings upon their courageous venture.
This Christmas has been one of quiet reflection on the goodness of God and His guiding hand upon my family—my husband and our children. His graciousness touches every aspect of our lives. Though my husband and I face the challenges that come with aging, I thank God profoundly for the gift of our two adopted children, now adults. There is great joy in witnessing God’s protective grace extend to them, and to all in our circle—extended family, friends, and colleagues.
As St. Paul urges us, “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, RSV-CE). And again, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, RSV-CE).
Thank You, Jesus, for coming to us as a humble babe, born of the Virgin Mary, who shows us the graces of perfect love and trust in our God (cf. Luke 1:26–38; John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth”). In this season of Your Incarnation, we rejoice in the gift of Emmanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Amen.
As we transition from the quiet anticipation of Christmas Eve to the joyful celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord on December 25, we enter into the heart of the mystery of the Incarnation. This great solemnity invites us to adore the newborn King, who is the eternal Word made flesh (cf. John 1:14, RSV-CE: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth”). In the words of the prophet Isaiah, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’” (Isaiah 9:6, RSV-CE).
At the Midnight Mass, we hear the angelic proclamation: “For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, RSV-CE), while the Mass during the Day reveals the profound truth: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh” (John 1:1, 14, RSV-CE).
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all (cf. Titus 2:11, RSV-CE), reminding us that Christ’s humble birth in Bethlehem is the dawn of our redemption. May this solemnity fill our hearts with wonder, drawing us closer to the manger where God-with-us, Emmanuel, lies in vulnerability and love.
God Bless 🙏💕
Be Inspired! 
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