The reflection below is written by Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ, for this year’s Advent-Christmas reflection booklet. This and other resources are available on our Advent 2023 webpage.
By Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ
Isaiah 62:11-12 | Titus 3:4-7 | Luke 2:15-20
Readings for Mass at dawn
On this beautiful holy Christmas day, we rejoice and celebrate that the Lord our Savior is born. The message the shepherds bring is a message of hope to us. They went to everyone glorifying and praising God, for our Savior is born! This message of God being with us is one of kindness and of the generous love of God for us. God sends the Son as our savior that we be justified by God’s grace.
This Christmas, God’s grace comes to those who open their hearts to welcome Jesus in their lives. To those who choose to give kindness and a generous amount of love to everyone, especially to those who God wants us to care for, like those who are immigrants, who are homeless, who are poor. We find them in our communities, at the border, and throughout our cities everywhere in the world. Unfortunately, many are marginalized and victims of criminal exploitation. They are also victims of our oppressive social structures that fail to protect and provide a dignified life for them.
Human life is hurting in our world today. This Christmas, remember to go out and share with everyone you encounter the love of Jesus Christ born to us. Share the message of hope through actions of love especially to those who are hurting.
>> For more Advent resources and reflections, click here.
Thank you for this beautiful reflection, Sr. Pimentel, and for your selfless work in ministering to the marginalized in your midst. I will do my best to “share the message of hope through actions of love especially to those who are hurting.”