Look, the long-awaited day of the nativity of our Lord is almost here. Psalm 25 asks us to look up and raise our heads, because our redemption is near. Let us allow Christmas to renew us this year.

Let us reflect more on the simplicity of the birth of our Savior by setting aside other things and raising our heads. Let us go beyond certain traditions of beauty and meditate on the gift of the incarnation.

Looking up conveys avoiding disruption and staying focused. Here in Uganda, the Christmas event unites families. Many people come back to the country and celebrate Christmas with their extended families. They, however, spend the rest of the time preparing the main meal and dressing luxuriously. Little time is given to family talks. Why not raise our heads this time and focus on our families with frank discussions about our fraternity?

The prophet Malachi, one of the lesser-known prophets, brings a strong message of purification. He touches in particular, the Sons of Levi. He wishes to refine them like gold and silver. It’s important to note that the priestly circle was under attack at the time of writing.

Jesus was coming to bring the new Priesthood that comes from heaven, just like that of Melchizedek, a royal priesthood. Is it not true, dear friends, that many would love to compromise our priesthood today? That here in Uganda, many are claiming the priesthood yet are not in Apostolic succession. That our politicians, especially in Africa, have corrupted the clergy not to speak out the prophetic truth. Often, the clergy remains silent in situations where the government is intolerant of its people. As we raise our heads, let us have a special intention for our Priests that Christmas might purify them for a perfect sacrifice pleasing to God.

Let us pray:

As we celebrate the incarnation of your Son, Lord, may we raise up our heads to be more focused on you, the one and only true God. May this Christmas purify your people so they may serve you with one heart. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.