Christmas Homily 2025
St. James Cathedral, Seattle
Opening
Peace and Merry Christmas!
Tonight, we gather in joy to celebrate the birth of our Savior. As always our celebration provides some instruction for living our faith. Listen again to the greeting of the angel to the shepherds:
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.”
Let us not become so satisfied with life here on earth that we forget to rejoice in the presence of our God. Nor let us be so discouraged by the darkness of the world that we fail to see that Emmanuel—God with us—is in our midst. And let us never stop searching for the One who humbly hid himself in our humanity.
The Mystery of the Incarnation
Our God, who created all things and has no beginning or end, chose to be born in time. Born of a virgin, He took on our human flesh. The One whose dominion is vast and forever peaceful (Isaiah 9:6) was born powerless, laid in a manger where animals feed.
What does it mean for us today that God had the audacity and humility to become one of us—that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us?
This Kingdom is not of worldly power. It is a Kingdom that envelops every land, nation, and person for all eternity. Born in Bethlehem, of the royal line of David, Christ bestows dignity upon every person and sets us free from all enemies—especially the enmity that would rob us of our eternal home.
The Family of God
Jesus’ family tree stretches from David back to Adam. He is the shoot from the stump of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1), revealing God the Father as the tap root of all life. Through Christ, we have become children of God, heirs of His eternal Kingdom (Romans 8:14–17).
Whether we are prodigal sons and daughters lost in confusion and fleeting values of the world, or elder children drowning in anger and frustration, Christ is Emmanuel—God with us. We belong to the Lord.
The Boundless Kingdom
Whatever nationality we claim, whatever culture we belong to, the Kingdom of the Prince of Peace knows no boundaries. Christ accepted no worldly power except humble service in fulfillment of the Father’s will. His Kingdom is marked with humility, compassion, self-giving, service to those most in need, and love – even for one’s enemies.
In short, the Kingdom of the Child born this holy night is one of justice, faithfulness, and peace.
The Signs of the Kingdom
When John the Baptist asked, “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus answered: “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” (Luke 7:18–23)
This is the Kingdom Christ came to establish—and still seeks to fulfill.
The Church’s Mission
Christ’s Kingdom expands in this world through the Church and all people of goodwill. The Church is called to be a sign and instrument of unity for all people, challenged always to renew herself. Gazing upon the nativity scene, we glimpse God’s dream: heaven and earth united, angels and shepherds, kings and peasants, Mary and Joseph—all gathered around the Christ Child.
In that moment, all creation is united in peace as the King of Kings is born revealing the love and glory of God to the world.
Closing Blessing
This is the Kingdom of heaven and God’s vision for the world. May the Christ Child, born this holy night, grant us the grace to advance His Kingdom of peace, justice, and love today and in the New Year.
Peace, and Merry Christmas!
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