The prophet Isaiah once shared a profound vision: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:1-2). This highlights two movements central to the Christian journey: walking and seeing. As believers, we walk through life in search of the Divine, with the ultimate hope of seeing God face-to-face. Because of this, the Lord instructed his disciples to: "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks" (Luke 12:35-36). Having one's loins girded is a symbol of being ready to depart. Having the lamps burning is a symbol of experiencing a living faith. 

Isaiah’s prophecy was originally a beacon of hope for the Israelites exiled in Babylon. Though they were physically walking, they wandered in a spiritual darkness born of their own transgressions. The "great light" Isaiah promised was the radiant return of God’s presence, signaling their restoration to the Promised Land. This ancient promise found its ultimate fulfillment in the Lord’s Nativity. As St. Luke records, it was the humble shepherds—keeping watch over their flocks in the night—who first received the news of the Savior’s birth. While rulers and royalty remained in the dark, these simple people were chosen because they were truly watchful. 

St. Luke vividly describes the moment that "great light" broke through: the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds, and though they were initially terrified, the angel reassured them: "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). 

Perhaps the most startling part of this message was the sign the Angel gave them: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, resting in a manger. While others might have scoffed at such a lowly sign for a King—feeling mocked by the idea of a Messiah in a feeding trough—the shepherds responded with open hearts. They didn't see a contradiction; they saw the true nature of God. In that humble manger, they witnessed God’s infinite love manifesting in human frailty and met the tender, loving gaze of a Creator who became one of us.

In today’s world, Christmas is often defined by the exchange of gifts. Yet, this tradition truly began with God, who offered the first and greatest gift: His only Son. The prophet Isaiah foresaw this divine generosity, declaring, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us” (Isaiah 9:5). This gift of the Son of God remains the most significant offering in history—a profound and precious manifestation of God’s boundless love for humanity.

Dear brothers and sisters: on this most sacred day, the Word of God calls us to mirror the vigilance of the shepherds. We are invited to remain watchful, our lamps of faith burning brightly as we await the Lord’s definitive return and the moment He welcomes us into eternity.

This Word invites us to see with our hearts the message of love God offers us today. More than any material gift, we are called to embrace the gift of God’s love found in the Person of Christ. If we allow ourselves to be captivated by the tender gaze of the Child of Bethlehem—opening our hearts to believe and love Him—we will leave this sacred place transformed by His compassion. In turn, we are moved to imitate Him: practicing humility toward God and others, showing compassion to the vulnerable, and loving one another just as God first loved us. Merry Christmas!