A Christmas Homily on Luke 2:14 : (25-12-25)

A Christmas reflection on Luke 2:14 showing that true peace flows from living under God’s favour. (25-12-25)

 Praise be to Jesus Christ

Once, a teacher was sitting quietly with his disciples at the end of a long day. When the noise had settled, he asked them a simple question: “What is the greatest treasure in the world?” The disciples answered with enthusiasm. One said a big house. Another said land and property. Someone else said money and wealth. A few added good health and long life. The teacher listened patiently to all of them. Then he said gently, “All these are good and necessary. A house gives shelter. Money gives comfort. Health gives strength. But what is the use of a big house if there is no peace inside it? What is the use of money if sleep does not come at night? What is the use of having everything if peace is missing?” Then he added quietly, “Peace is the greatest treasure. Without peace, every blessing becomes a burden. With peace, even little becomes enough.”

This simple wisdom helps us understand the song of the angels on the night of Christmas: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those on whom His favour rests.” (Luke 2:14) The angels do not promise peace to everyone automatically. They announce that peace rests upon those who live under God’s favour, those who live with good will. Peace is born when God is given glory, not only with words, but with the way we live.

Peace is everything. Without it, even success feels empty. With it, even struggle becomes bearable. That is why Jesus later says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27) This peace does not come from comfort or control. It comes from trusting God.

Saint Joseph shows us clearly what it means to be a person of good will. His life suddenly became uncertain. The woman to whom he was betrothed was found to be pregnant before they came together. His future seemed to fall apart. Yet the Gospel calls him a righteous man (Matthew 1:19). He chose trust over anger and obedience over fear. Because he lived under God’s favour, peace entered his troubled heart. That peace protected Mary, sheltered the Child, and held the family together.

Mary too lived completely under God’s favour. The angel told her, “You have found favour with God.” (Luke 1:30) That favour did not remove pain or uncertainty, but it filled her heart with deep peace. Wherever Mary went, peace followed her. Elizabeth rejoiced. The child leaped in the womb. Even a poor stable became a holy place. When a heart lives under God’s favour, peace quietly flows to everyone around.

Peace never remains only in one person. It spreads. When a father lives as a person of good will, the home becomes a place of calm and safety. His presence brings reassurance, not fear. When a mother lives under God’s favour, her peace becomes the strength of the family. Children grow without anxiety because they breathe an atmosphere of trust. In the same way, when peace is missing in one heart, unrest slowly enters everyone’s life. Christmas reminds us that peace begins in one willing heart and becomes the gift that holds families together.

King Herod stands in sharp contrast to this peace. He had power, wealth, and authority, but he had no peace. The birth of a child disturbed him deeply. Fear ruled his heart, and violence followed his decisions. This shows us that peace does not depend on what we possess, but on whom we trust.

Christmas invites us to make a choice. Will we live like Joseph and Mary, people of good will, living under God’s favour? Or will we allow fear, ego, and restlessness to rule our hearts? When God is given glory in our daily life, in prayer, forgiveness, honesty, and faithfulness, peace is born again in our homes. May the angels’ song not remain only in the Gospel, but become true in us.

Lord Jesus, help me to find favour in your sight . Amen

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS 

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