Eager to Love Us

Homily for December 21

When we look to the Scriptures to describe the Messiah who is expected and whom we celebrate on the great solemnity of the Nativity, we hear appellations like Our Lord and Savior, King of all Nations, Light of the World, and Splendor of the Father. At the Mass during the Night, the first reading will proclaim him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

Today the first reading reminds us of yet another title that we may not use as often but which is perhaps more important than all the others; namely, my Lover or Beloved One. He is likened to a gazelle that springs and leaps across the hills and gazes and peers through the windows of our hearts. He seeks us out and says, “I am here.” He comes to us as one who desires intimacy with us, who cherishes us, and who holds us dear to his heart. He comes in total self-gift, bearing unconditional love, and leaping with eager anticipation, longing to see us and hear our voice. This joyous experience of Christ’s love is like the rains being over and gone, flowers appearing again on the earth, and the fragrance of vine blossoms in the air. Like the psalmist, we respond with exaltation and sing to him a new song, for in him our hearts rejoice.

In the Gospel, Elizabeth cries out and John leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb in response to Christ’s love. This is the joy of Christmas: Christ coming to our hearts and homes to love us, and we respond with joy.

The eagerness that is expressed in these readings can be likened to the eagerness often found in children at this time of the year as Christmas nears. The Gospel reminds us that we are to be like little children, completely open to the gift that is given: God with us – the promise of God’s love realized in the Babe of Bethlehem.