The readings of the Mass offered rich insights into the meaning of the Nativity. Isaiah 9:2–7 spoke of a people walking in darkness who see a great light, a prophecy fulfilled in the birth of Christ whose titles of peace and kingship illuminated the night’s celebration. Titus 2:11–14 reminded all present that the Incarnation is an ongoing invitation to renewal, as the grace of God appears and teaches believers how to live with purpose and hope. Luke 2:1–14 presented the familiar and tender Gospel of the Lord’s birth in Bethlehem, the humility of the manger and the angelic announcement of peace which continues to resound through Christian life.
In his homily, Bishop Peter called the faithful to contemplate the Nativity as a present and transformative encounter. He reflected on the dignity of every human life and the divine closeness revealed in the Christ-child, urging those gathered to look again at the mystery of God made flesh and to recognise the call to service and hope that flows from it.
After the final blessing and dismissal, the congregation joined wholeheartedly in singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing, bringing the celebration to a triumphant close.
Photographs from the Mass can be viewed here.
Bishop Peter’s Homily
(As delivered at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich, Christmas Night)
Let me begin by quoting Charles Dickens, not taken from A Christmas Carol but rather from Nicholas Nickleby.
Nicholas is on the point of despairing, feeling himself disempowered, unable, it seemed, to alter or remedy an impending injustice.
“How many have died in soul, and have had no chance in life.”
“How many have died in soul, and have had no chance in life.”
As we contemplate the state of the world, as we contemplate our place within it, we can be tempted to think that we are so disempowered, so seemingly insignificant, as mere elemental strands within an immense and impersonal complex, that it is impossible for us to exert any significant influence beyond the confines of our immediate sphere.
However, on this Christmas night, we proclaim that the life and death of every human person holds a value beyond measure, holds the potential of a clear and undoubted influence on the affairs of the world, holds the tangible connectivity between what is finite and what is infinite.
On this Christmas night, we contemplate what St Bernard of Clairvaux called “the wonderful condescension of God” when the Father sent His Son into the realm of His creation, into our very midst, so that the divine Word would become flesh and so establish the closest possible communion between the divine and each and every human soul across the expanse of time and space.
On this Christmas night we rejoice to employ the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”
From Nazareth in Galilee, Joseph and Mary undertook their pilgrimage to Bethlehem in Judaea so that the divine Word might be born in the city of David, the city of the most cherished king of ancient Israel.
Bethlehem means “house of bread” and Judah means “the place established for the confession of faith”.
The very name of Bethlehem calls us all to address the needs of the world.
The very name of Judah calls us to become a witness to hope in the midst of the world.
The great “O Antiphons” of Advent plead for the coming of the “Wonderful Counsellor” who alone can equip us for so great a task.
“O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High God.”
“O Adonai, leader of the house of Israel.”
“O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign to the nations of the earth.”
“O Key of David”, “O Sceptre of the house of Israel”, “O Dawn of the East”, “O King of the nations”, come.
“O come, O come Emmanuel, our lawgiver, hope of the earth and saviour of mankind, come and save us, O Lord our God.”
On this Christmas night, we are encouraged by the words of St Thomas Aquinas. “Although our view of the most sublime things is limited and weak, it is a great joy to be able to catch even a glimpse of them.”
On this Christmas night, we celebrate promptings and stirrings, movements and events, which were not, in fact, subject to the authority and will of any Caesar nor any earthly governor.
On this Christmas night, we celebrate the Incarnation, which embodies the ultimate and complete revelation of God’s own triune identity, of God’s own providential will and authority.
How is this made manifest
“And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Look, and look again, at this blessed starlit scene.
What is it you see
The swaddling cloths enwrap the one through whom all things were made.
The touch of this infant transforms the natural poverty of the garments he wears, bestowing upon them a majestic character.
Look, and look again, at this blessed starlit scene.
What is it you see
Those who embrace this infant will be transformed by the three threads of virtue: faith, hope and charity.
Look afresh, this time with the insight of your inner unseen soul.
Do you now behold that it is this infant who in fact embraces us
His divine touch bedecks us in the vestments of virtue, he refashions the very fabric of our being, flesh and spirit.
Look, and look again, at this blessed starlit scene.
What is it you see
Behold, the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.
This child will give himself for us, whole and entire, without reservation, to redeem us from all lawlessness.
“Although our view of the most sublime things is limited and weak, it is a great joy to be able to catch even a glimpse of them.”
Not all behold him, but he beholds all across time and space.
He will draw the humble of the earth to himself, as he draws the shepherds to him.
All that is born of evil, all that takes shape through pride, selfishness and violence will be cast down.
On this Christmas night, what is it you see
Behold him who is the Prince of Peace.
Behold him who alone, through his willing sacrifice, takes away the sins of the world.
Behold him who threads the pattern of redemption into the fabric of our being.
On this Christmas night we address the darkness of the world and acknowledge that in Christ we are called to render service, called to exercise influence, called to engage each and every need of our brothers and sisters.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom the Saviour is well pleased.
Amen.
