Christmas Day (Vigil Mass) Isaiah 62:1-5 Acts 13:16-17,22-25 Matthew 1:18-25 As we gather with one heart and one mind to celebrate the birth of Jesus this year, we do so always with a deep sense of joy and gladness that our Lord and Savior comes to us out of his love for us. That Jesus comes to save us because we are in need of a Savior. As we gather in joy and gladness, we simultaneously gather with hearts that may be on the heavy side, and minds that may be uncertain as to where God is in the midst of events. Our heavy hearts and a sense of uncertainty may reflect the recent events in Newtown, Connecticut, where our hearts and minds are prayerfully united with that small community. We see in such events the reason we need a Savior. We see that evil is most real. And that sin – that broken condition in all of us – still has great affect on hearts and minds. We search for answers in psychology, psychiatry, human emotions, family origin, gun control, and loneliness as to why such things may happen. And it’s okay to search in those areas of expertise, policy, or emotion. We can grow in our understanding and possibly draw closer toward true and lasting peace in the future. But the truest answer to violence, sin, evil, heavy hearts, and the uncertainties of the mind comes to us in the manger. The purest and truest answer to growing our hearts and minds to the point where love and respect are the dominant actions in the lives of all people is the answer of Jesus Christ. You see, the further we remove ourselves, as individuals, communities, and a nation, from the truth that Christ is the Savior of the world, and that he comes to us with all the answers to a better way – the best way to human living – the further we pull away from Jesus, the more we open the door of our lives, our communities, and our nation to spiritual corruption. Push God away, then the brokenness of humanity takes over. The closer we draw our lives to the manger, and look upon what Joseph and Mary are looking upon, along with the Shepherds and the Magi, and any others who come to view this amazing site, the closer and more intently we look into the eyes of this child, the more loving we become, as individuals, as communities, as a nation. To be human is to love, for that’s who this child is. He’s a little present of love born into a world of violence and craziness. When this child is the guiding light of our lives, only this light has the power and grace to overcome the follies of this world. The birth of Jesus allows us a view from this world to look toward the ultimate victory of heaven. He comes from heaven to earth so that we may climb from earth to heaven. And this takes faith. Some of you may or may not know, but for the next year in the Church we celebrate what Pope Benedict XVI has named the Year of Faith. It’s really nothing new, or it shouldn’t be, turning inward to our faith in Jesus. But for many Catholics, it is something new, because their faith has either gotten away from them, or their faith has reached a roadblock and it won’t presently go any further up the road towards heaven. So, the Year of Faith is both an invitation and a challenge. It’s an invitation to return to the daily practice of our precious pearl. To return to the foundation and source of our lives, and begin to find new and improved meaning. That God is calling us and inviting us back to the manger and all its meaning, without any fear or hesitation. This Year of Faith is a challenge to seek and find truth in a violent and crazy world that can be all over the place. God knew he was sending his Son as a sheep among wolves when Jesus emptied himself from the Virgin’s womb and took on the form of a slave. God knew he was sending his Son into a violent and unforgiving world. God isn’t naïve. He knew the plan and all that accompanied the plan by way of treachery and traitors. But he sent him anyway. Through an angel he says, “Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” And by taking Mary into his home, Joseph took Jesus into his home. This is the challenge for all of us in this Year of Faith; bring Jesus into our homes. When Jesus is in our homes, he is also in our hearts and minds. If he’s been missing, welcome him back through daily prayer and holy reading. If he’s never been in our homes, invite your Creator into your life. Come to know him through prayer and holy reading as he desires to be known by us. This doesn’t just happen. It takes initiative on our part. And if the Savior of the world is already present in our homes, then search for and enjoy a deeper relationship with the One whose presence can never be fully captured in 10 lifetimes. The mystery of his presence is wider than the universe. It is only through an intimate, personal relationship with the Christ child and the Christ adult that we can begin to address the complexities of this world. It is only through Jesus that we grow to full stature. It is only through our Lord and Savior that the burdens of life become the glories of eternity. He comes to save us from ourselves. In this holy Year of Deepening our Faith, be kind enough and gentle enough and humble enough to allow ourselves to be saved. His name is Emmanuel, “God is with us.” God is indeed with us. Let us rejoice and be glad. Merry Christmas.