Tuesday, December 24 – “The Dawn Has Come” (Conclusion)

Scripture

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a

land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son

given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:2, 6

Reflection

At last, the long waiting has reached its end. The night that seemed so endless now

begins to glow with the first light of dawn. The prophecies have been fulfilled. The Word

of God has taken flesh. The Lord has entered time and made His dwelling among us.

This is the mystery that Advent has been leading us toward, Emmanuel, “God with

us.” The Lord who spoke through prophets, who was foreshadowed in promise and

anticipated in hope, now lies in the arms of His Mother. The Creator of the stars now gazes

up at His own creation through human eyes. The One who holds all things together has

made Himself small enough to be held.

The light that shone over Bethlehem is not only the sign of a birth; it is the

proclamation of victory. The shadows of sin and death have been pierced forever. The

manger points toward the Cross, and the Cross toward the empty tomb, the Holy Sepulchre,

the radiant heart of our redemption.

As members of the EOHSJ, this night is deeply personal. The very land where Christ

was born, crucified, and rose again remains entrusted to your care and prayer. You are

guardians of the memory and witnesses of the reality: that the Lord’s presence still abides

in His Church, especially in the land that first received His light.

As Christmas dawns, remember that the mystery we celebrate is not confined to a

single night. The Child of Bethlehem continues to come, in the Eucharist, in the poor, in

the Church, and in every soul that makes room for Him. He is the Light that no darkness

can overcome, the peace that no power can destroy, the hope that no despair can silence.

So let your hearts rejoice, and let your lives proclaim: The Lord is here. The light of

Christ has dawned, and the world will never be the same.

Prayer

O Christ, Light from Light and Prince of Peace, we praise You this holy night. You

have come to dwell among us, humble, radiant, and full of mercy. Kindle in our hearts the

flame of Your love; make us bearers of Your light to all nations. Bless the Church, and

especially the Holy Land, that Your presence may shine there forever. Amen.

Meditation Question

How will I carry the light of Bethlehem into the world beyond Christmas? Where is

Christ asking me to bring His peace, His presence, and His love?