+ The Great Moment has finally arrived: the one we have been eagerly waiting for four weeks! And at this point -- here, now -- it all comes down to the notion of "gift-giving and receiving." This is the night / and day tomorrow that is really about "gift giving and receiving," all done out of love: for what we exchange is really LOVE. At this point, the most treasured gifts given will be the ones given as an expression of heart-felt LOVE, and they must all be received with an equal measure of gratitude and LOVE: the Christmas Gifting Gesture: is actually then an exercise in the "communion of LOVE."
What this means is that the gifts given that were paid for by self-sacrifice and hard-earned work, gifts made by hand, gifts of promised service for a later time (a Holiday IOU for providing aid and assistance to those in need) are the most treasured and most valuable gifts!
Later in this Mass you will receive into your hand, into your mouth, into your heart the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace who made his appearance on this earth in that tiny stable in Bethlehem amidst an adoring crowd of his parents, shepherds and animals bowing and lowing. That was an amazing scene and an amazing moment, and it took place in utter silence that was only broken by a chorus of angels giving glory to God and announcing peace on earth to men of good will! That peace was Jesus himself: he was and is God's-peace-made-flesh.
After receiving the "little Lord Jesus" in Holy Communion tonight there will a moment of Great Silence – (which is normally observed anyway) but tonight it will be even more special. At that time, when we sit in silence, there will be the opportunity for a very special exchange of gifts: Jesus has something uniquely special for you this year, unlike any other year. You can use this silent moment to spiritually "tune in" to what that is: ask him to reveal it and he will; and then, you can use this wondrous moment to offer him something likewise different from any other Christmas: something especially significant for both you and him, this year, that perhaps only you and he would know about: something that you have made with your life this year. IT CAN BE A TRULY AWESOME MOMENT! We will take the time: to observe it, cherish it and use it! It will be fantastic!
Oh, and it will be OK during the Mass up to that point to think about what possible gift Jesus will have for you, and the one you will have for him at the Great Silent Moment!
I proclaim to you good news of great joy: today a Savior is born for us, Christ the Lord.
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