Emmanuel – God is with Us

Today we join the angels and the shepherds in singing Christmas carols, a tradition rooted in the Nativity story. We sing because a Saviour is born; we sing because God has come to dwell among humanity to redeem and restore us. We sing to usher in the reign of peace and justice, and to proclaim good tidings to the afflicted.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ through the singing of Christmas carols, we are invited to proclaim to the world a message of peace, love, joy, and hope – a message that signifies God’s abiding presence with us. This truth is declared in today’s Gospel, echoing the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the child who is to be called Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us.”

O yes, God is with us, even in our darkest moments. He is ever-present and able to see us through every trial. We pray for the grace to hear that “still, small voice” of assurance, the same voice that spoke to Joseph in his time of uncertainty. May we be granted the grace to hear God’s voice, to recognize His presence among us, and to trust in His guiding care.

Peace to the world!

O God of Elizabeth and Mary, you visited your servants with news of the world’s redemption in the coming of the Saviour. Make our hearts leap with joy and fill our mouths with songs of praise, so that we may announce glad tidings of peace and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen. (Pray without Ceasing, The A.C.C.)