Why Christmas Matters

HOMILY: The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

Isaiah 52:7-10 / Hebrews 1:1-6 / John 1:1-18

25 December 2025 

Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA

Every year, Christmas comes — and it surprises me that I always get asked: “Father, why do we have to celebrate Christmas?” “Can we not believe in Jesus without celebrating?” Some even say, “That is not important.” Tonight, brothers and sisters, the Gospel gives us a very simple answer — we celebrate Christmas because God did the unimaginable — He closed the gap between heaven and earth — between divinity and humanity.  Something happened. Someone came. Something has changed.

Let me share a short story.  There was a young doctor who volunteered to be assigned in a far-away village — secluded, quiet, far from big hospitals and the city. When he arrived, it was strange that people did not approach him right away. It turned out they were cautious and doubtful of his presence.  Why? First, they were afraid it would be expensive. “He is a doctor — we probably cannot afford to see him for consultation.” Second, they were afraid of what he might discover. “What if he finds something serious and fatal? It’s better if I do not know… I do not have money for treatment.” And third, they were afraid of being judged and shamed. “Maybe he would not understand our life. Maybe he will look down on us.” So, the doctor made a choice.  He stopped acting like a visitor from far away.  He removed his white coat.  He learned their names.  He ate what they ate.  He walked the same dusty roads and earned their trust and friendship. Only then did people slowly come to him.  It was then that their village experienced healing.  The doctor recounts, “I had to live like them so they would not be afraid.” 

That is precisely what Christmas is. “And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us…” (John 1:14) God wanted to heal our world that was so wounded by sin, fear, and darkness, but people feared Him because He was a powerful, frightening mystery. How could humanity be sure that God genuinely cared and understood people’s needs? We have so many doubts and fears. We are afraid He might ask too much. We are afraid He might show us something we do not want to face. We are afraid we might not be good enough. Thus, God did something unexpected.  He came to us, not as a frighteningly powerful ruler, but as a baby.  He came as a sweet defenceless baby — a cute, fragile, and innocent child that anyone would love to hold close; a child who would grow among the people and embrace them back with unconditional love. This is why Christmas matters. This is why we celebrate. 

If Jesus were only a teacher, we would not need to celebrate His birthday.  If He were only a prophet, Christmas would be optional — after all, the only other prophet whose birthday we celebrate is John the Baptist. No one else’s — not Elisha, not Amos, not Jeremiah, not even the great Elijah. Jesus is different. He is God, Himself, who chose to be close to His people by becoming one of us. This is a truth the Church repeats when it prays: “When our frailty was assumed by your Word, human mortality received unending honour.” God became human so that we might share in His divine life.  St. Irenaeus says: “God became what we are, so that we might become what He is.” Without Christmas, God would have remained distant. With Christmas, God has a face and a name, a heart that beats for us, and arms that embrace us. 

Brothers and sisters, when we gather with family and friends over a good meal or an exchange of gifts, remember that we do not celebrate Christmas simply out of habit.  We celebrate because we are endlessly grateful and humbled that the all-powerful God who created Heaven and Earth chose to be close to us. He sent His Son as the bridge that would make it possible for Him to sit with us, to walk with us, and to be known to us. He did not want us to fear Him but rather be drawn to Him so that that He could save us. 

As we celebrate the miracle that is Christmas, let us never take this gift for granted and bear in mind the depth of God’s love for us.  God showed up for us and drew Himself close. May we have the courage to see Him in others and draw close to the Christ in them — showing up with grace even when it is hard and to love when it is needed most.  

Maligayang Pasko sa ating lahat.🎄 (A Merry Christmas to us all!🎄)

THE NATIVITY by Wayne Pascall Art