Homily for Christmas 2025 | Nativity of our Lord | Homily for 25 December 2025

 

https://youtu.be/4t96o3yQ7iI

My dear friends, on this Christmas morning, as we gather around the mystery of the

Incarnation, the readings taken from the mass during the day invite us to see more than a

baby in a manger — they invite us to see God stepping into our history.

The first reading taken from prophet Isaiah is a joyful and powerful announcement spoken to

a people who had suffered for a long time. This passage comes from the period of the

Babylonian Exile, when many Israelites were taken away from their homeland after

Jerusalem was destroyed. Into this sadness, Isaiah brings a message of hope: God has not

abandoned His people, and their liberation is near. The passage begins with a beautiful image:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news.” In

ancient times, news was carried by runners who travelled long distances on foot. Isaiah uses

this picture to show how eagerly God’s message of hope is received. The watchmen on the

walls are the first to see this good news arriving. They shout with joy because they witness

with their own eyes that God is acting to restore His people. Even the ruins of Jerusalem are

invited to “break forth into singing,” because God is bringing comfort and rebuilding what

was broken. The passage ends with a promise that God’s salvation will be visible not just to

Israel, but to all nations. For us today, as we celebrate Christmas, this text reminds us that

God brings hope even in our personal “exiles” — the times we feel lost, tired, or far from

peace. God’s good news still arrives, sometimes slowly and quietly, but always faithfully.

Christmas assures us that God still enters our ruins, rebuilding what we thought was lost. And

like the messenger in the passage, we are called to carry hope to those who wait for light in

their own darkness.

The second reading taken from the letter to the Hebrews, is a beautiful introduction to who

Jesus is and why His coming changes everything. The author begins by reminding us that

God has always spoken to His people, but in different ways. In the past, God spoke “through

the prophets,” through visions, miracles, and the stories of Israel. These messages were true

and important, but they were like pieces of a puzzle — glimpses of God’s plan. Now, the

writer says, God has spoken to us in the most complete way possible: through His Son, Jesus.

Jesus is not just another messenger. He is the fullness of God’s voice. In other words, if we

want to know what God looks like, how God thinks, and how God loves, we only need to

look at Jesus. The text goes on to say that Jesus purified us from our sins and now sits at the

right hand of God — a position of honour and authority. The angels, though holy and

powerful, are not equal to Jesus. They serve God, but Jesus is God’s eternal Son. This shows

that our faith is built not just on teachings, but on a living relationship with the Son of God.

This passage invites us to see Jesus not only as a teacher or miracle-worker, but as the fullest

expression of God’s heart. At Christmas, this message becomes even more meaningful: the

God who created the universe chose to speak to us through a child born in a manger. In our

own lives, whenever we feel confused, tired, or unsure of God’s will, this passage reminds us

to look to Jesus. He is God’s clearest word — a word of love, mercy, and hope.

Imagine you walk into a dark room and someone lights a candle. At first, your eyes struggle

to adjust but gradually, the room changes — shapes, sizes and even faces become clear. Light

never forces itself; it simply reveals what is real. In the same gentle way, Jesus enters our 

world — not to overwhelm, but to help us see. This simple truth beautifully echoes the

message of today’s gospel taken from John — and it lies at the heart of Christmas.

John takes us far deeper into the meaning of Christmas than the story of shepherds or the

manger. It tells us who that baby truly is. “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word

was God.” Before creation, Jesus already existed with the Father. Everything in creation was

made through Him. Yet the world He created often chooses to walk without Him —

separating itself from the very Light that gives life. John then highlights the theme of light

and darkness. Jesus is described as the true Light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness

cannot overcome it. At Christmas, we celebrate that the Light didn’t stay distant. It entered

our world gently — as a child. Not intimidating, not overwhelming, but approachable and

humble. The birth of Jesus is God’s way of lighting the candle for the darkness of all

humanity. John the Baptist appears in the passage as a witness to this Light. He reminds us

that some people reject it because the Light reveals truth, while others embrace it and become

children of God. This choice lies at the heart of Christmas: Will we receive the Light that has

come into the world? “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This is Christmas in one

sentence. God chose not just to send messages, angels, or prophets. He came Himself. Jesus

shows us exactly what God is like — full of grace and truth. Through Him, we receive grace

upon grace: forgiveness, new beginnings, and the assurance of God’s love. Christmas is more

than lights, music, and celebration. It is God stepping into our darkness with warmth and

clarity. The child in the manger is the eternal Word, the Creator, the true Light. When we

welcome Jesus into our lives we begin to see clearly. Christmas invites us to let the Light of

Christ shine into our fears, our relationships, and our choices, transforming us into children of

God. This Christmas, let us ask: Where in my life do I need the Light of Christ to shine? And

what corners of my heart am I still keeping in shadow? May this Light of Christ guide our

hearts and homes this Christmas. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas. May God bless us

all.