Once upon a time, an elephant and a dog became pregnant about the same time. About three months later, the dog gave birth to six puppies. Six months later the dog was pregnant again, and in another three months, the dog gave birth to another half a dozen puppies. After eighteen months, the dog approached the elephant and asked, “Are you sure you are pregnant? I thought we became pregnant about the same time, eighteen months ago. Since then, I have given birth to a dozen puppies; some are now grown to become big dogs, yet you are still pregnant. What’s going on?”
The elephant replied, “Well, what I am carrying is not a puppy but an elephant. I only give birth to one in two years. When my baby hits the ground, the earth feels it. When my baby crosses the road, humans stop and watch in amazement. What I carry draws attention. What I’m carrying is mighty and great; yes, mine is quite a process because of the mighty result, and I trust the process.”
Today is Christmas Day. Today, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Today, we celebrate what John calls “The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The plan for what we are celebrating today began in the Garden of Eden, in the Book of Genesis right after the fall. After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, as soon as sin entered the world, God began to plan for our salvation. In Genesis 3:14-15, God said to the snake, “Because you have done this … I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Scholars call this verse (v.15) the protoevangelium (first gospel). This part of the bible tells us about the curse on humanity because of the sin of Adam and Eve; it also tells us about how God made provision for a savior who would save us from sin by taking the curse upon himself. This verse refers to the savior as the woman’s offspring; we now know him as Jesus Christ.
The fulfillment of the promise of the savior in Genesis 3:15 took a very long time and winding turns. God chose Abraham, from whom he made a nation, Israel, for himself. At a point, the chosen people became an enslaved people in a foreign land. From the nation of Israel, God chose the tribe of Judah. The Gospel passage from last night (Matthew 1:1-25) gave us a roll call of the ancestors of Jesus. Some of them were not people we can be proud of. At a point, it seemed the family was cut down. The prophet Isaiah even had to refer to the family as “The stump of Jesse,” from which “A shoot shall sprout” “and from his roots a bud shall blossom” (Isaiah 11:1-10). Eventually, in the New Testament, the Angel Gabriel made all the necessary announcements to all concerned regarding his birth (Zachariah, Mary, and the Shepherds). Even after his conception, there was going to be a break-up in his immediate family before the angel, Gabriel, intervened when he appeared to Joseph and encouraged him to keep Mary and to take care of the Baby to be born.
See how long it took for the child to be born! See all the ups and downs! Eventually, when he was born, he shook the world; he divided history into two: the time before his birth and the time after his birth (B.C. and A.D.) Even those who write to deny him date their works in reference to the time before his birth and the time after his birth. He is the one we are here to celebrate today. A reminder that time is never an obstacle to God’s plan; whatever he says he will do, he does, no matter how long it takes.
Sometimes, we pray, and answers seem delayed. Sometimes, our mates leave us behind. Sometimes, those we mentor become better than us. We ask God, “Why?” Then God says, “Did you see how long it took for my son to arrive? You are not giving birth to a puppy. Trust the process. Do not be distracted by what is going on in other people’s lives. Just run your race. Make sure you remain faithful to me.” My dearly beloved in Christ, avoid comparing your journey to someone else’s, as that is the shortest route to frustration. Do not lose faith when you see others receiving answers to their prayers. Do not be envious of the testimony of others. If you have not received your own blessing, do not despair. Keep doing your best while you wait on the Lord. Whenever God seems silent, he is most likely working behind the scenes. If the story behind the birth of Jesus, the best news for the world, took a long time amid enslavement, scandals, betrayals, confusions, and all imaginable and unimaginable troubles, be sure that whatever you are going through now is not an obstacle in the way of what God has planned for you. As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, may all the stumbling blocks in our way become stepping stones leading us from one level of victory to another until we come to our heavenly inheritance through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Homily for Christmas Day Year C 2024
Well put Fada. A blessed and Merry Chrsitmas to you and family!!!