God’s Call to Each of Us This Christmas

God’s Call to Each of Us This Christmas As Christmas draws near, we find ourselves immersed in the exchange of greetings. These greetings come in many forms—gifts, cards, words, and heartfelt messages. Yet, they hold a deeper significance beyond their outward expressions. Giving Inspired by God When a gift is given, it can transcend its material value, especially when inspired by God. Such gifts and words have the power to transform lives, bringing light and change to those who receive them. In these final days of Advent and during the Christmas season, our greetings—be they spoken wishes, acts of kindness, or tokens of peace—carry profound meaning when they are divinely inspired. But this season calls for reflection: What kind of greetings are we offering to others as Christmas approaches? And perhaps more importantly, what kind of greetings are we open to receiving? We are reminded that we cannot give what we do not possess. Only when we truly embrace and are convinced of the blessings we’ve received from God can we share them authentically with others. The first reading offers a powerful example: God’s greeting to Bethlehem. A small and seemingly insignificant city, Bethlehem was chosen not for its fame or achievements but as part of God’s divine plan. Despite its humble stature, Bethlehem was destined to play a pivotal role: “Through you shall come forth a king of Israel.” God Calls Upon Each of Us This moment teaches us a profound lesson. Even in our weakness, smallness, or lack of influence, God calls each of us to play a role in His plan of salvation. Just as Bethlehem was chosen despite its modesty, we too are invited to recognize our purpose and embrace the role God has entrusted to us. “We have all been saved, but not yet.” There is still work to be done, even in our imperfection. Let this be a season where we reflect on how our greetings—our actions, words, and gifts—fit into God’s grand design. Listen to this meditation and reflect: What remains for our salvation, and how can our Christmas greetings become a part of God’s transformative plan? Listen to: God’s Call to Each of Us This Christmas ------------------------------- Image: Adoration of the Shepherds: Dutch Painter: Gerard van Honthorst: 1622 Notice the use of light in the painting. He was known as a painter that utilized light in his paintings. ------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke: 1: 39-45 First Reading: Mi 5:1-4 Second Reading: Heb 10: 5-10