The Good News In The Manger

Objectives

At the end of the teaching assembly, the MFC members are expected to:

1.  Understand that the Good News of Christmas is meant to be shared 

2.  Value the celebration of Christmas through the preparation of Advent 

3. Share the joy of this season through evangelization

Expanded Outline

I.           Introduction

Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays in the whole world. It is the moment of the year when families come together to celebrate love and togetherness. In the Philippines, people consider this season to be the longest celebration, as it begins in September, signaling the start of the "ber" months, and extends until just before New Year.

As joyous as this season is, we need to prepare for the real reason of this season. At the heart of this celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the hope for our salvation. We not only commemorate His coming in private, but also share and spread the good news of God's love with others, especially our families.

II.        Advent: The Period of Preparation

Advent marks the start of the preparation for Christmas, but the actual celebration is on December 25th, the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Coming from the Latin word “adventus,” which means arrival or coming, the season of Advent reminds us that we are a pilgrim people who long for our true home with God in his heavenly kingdom. 

This year, the first day of Advent falls on the first day of December. The first Sunday of Advent marks the start of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. Therefore, Christians can celebrate this day as a New Year, marking the beginning of a new season in the Church's liturgical cycle. But Advent is not yet Christmas. The period of Advent lasts for four Sundays, focusing on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love. As we wait for the Lord's coming, He is more excited to come to us. 

III.        Good News in the Manger

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 

And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (Luke 2:15-16)

The Gospel tells us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Son of Mary, who was born for us and our salvation. The word gospel literally means good news. And the basic Good News is that God loves us. He so loved the world that He sent his beloved Son, Jesus, who was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. “In this poverty heaven’s glory was made manifest.” (CCC 525) Christmas is more than just the festivities. It is all about the greatest mystery of Love.

a.    Christmas is the Word made flesh.

The Gospel of John, which begins with the statement, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1)," serves as the foundation for this truth. This season celebrates the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming human in the person of Jesus to teach us how to live and to ultimately redeem us through his death and resurrection.

b.    Christmas is the message of Peace and Joy.

The angels announced to the shepherds, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people, for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). This message captures the essence of the Good News. This truth brings comfort and joy to believers, signifying that the coming of Jesus will bring peace on earth and goodwill to all.

c.    Christmas is all about Family. 

This season is an invitation to come together and reflect on the birth of Jesus. “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7). The gathering of families during Christmas mirrors the unity of the Holy Family. Their relationship exemplifies the ideal of family life, rooted in faith and mutual respect.

We find fulfillment in God’s promises through the birth of Jesus. His coming is the greatest of all news, and this Good News in the Manger is meant to be shared.

IV.           Christmas as a Time for Evangelization

Love is the greatest form of evangelization. Evangelizing through this season of Christmas does not require grand gestures but simple, heartfelt actions that reflect the love of Christ. We can evangelize during this season through the gifts of faith, hope and love.

a.    Incorporate your faith into Christmas traditions

Family gatherings, Christmas parties and other community events provide natural spaces to share the meaning of Christmas in a personal way. Displaying the Belen or the Nativity Scene, lighting an Advent wreath, listening to traditional Christmas songs or caroling also serve as tools to explain the message of the birth of Jesus. 

b.    Share the hope of the Good News

The coming of Jesus gives us the hope of heaven, seeing God face to face and sharing in the fullness of his glory and everlasting life. In a world marked by challenges, the hope of Jesus provides comfort and encouragement. Even those who are not deeply religious are familiar with the story of Christmas, making it a gentle entry point for sharing the source of our Hope.

c.    Give love intentionally and generously

Christmas is a season that encourages acts of generosity, kindness, and hospitality, which can demonstrate the love of Christ. The positive atmosphere that Christians experience during this season serves as a witness to others, inspiring curiosity about the source of that Love.

V.             Conclusion

Faith is the human response of love to the God who loved us first. (Pope Benedict)

Christmas is the season where the love of God, revealed through the birth of Jesus Christ, becomes a natural invitation to share the Good News of his coming with other people. It is through faith that we can respond to God’s initiative for love.

Evangelization at Christmas is not just about spreading the word; it is about living the message in a way that draws others to experience the joy of hope found in Jesus Christ.

VI.   Discussion Questions

1.    What special traditions or memories make Christmas meaningful for your family?

2.    How can you share the Good News of Christmas with others, most especially your loved ones?