Those on Whom God’s Favor Rests
December 11, 2020
By now, you have probably set out your Christmas crèche—Mary and Joseph and the infant Jesus in a stable, a couple of shepherds with a sheep or two standing near, and, hovering above, an angel with outstretched arms, representing a “host of heavenly visitors.” A few inches away (or a few feet, depending on the size of your mantel), the Magi and their camel approach.

As we gaze on this beloved scene, we can hear the song of the angels: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests” (Luke 2:14) The story never grows old; the song never fails to lift our hearts. God has chosen ordinary people, humble shepherds, to receive good news of great joy for all the people: “Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
If I try to make a parallel between the time when the song was first sung and today, two things come to mind. First, the world into which Jesus was born was tragically divided—religiously, politically, economically. Among the Jews, competing sectors scorned one another. Roman rule over the Jews was often cruel and autocratic. And the gap between rich and poor seemed unbreachable. Today, our peoples and nations, despite enormous scientific progress, experience the same divisions, often exacerbated by the ability to insult and threaten one another using social media. And standing at the ready are weapons and armies that could destroy the planet as we know it.
But the second observation overwhelms the first: the “good news of great joy is for all the people.” God wishes “peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:10) God’s favor is without limit, encompassing saints and sinners (and ourselves, wherever we stand on that spectrum!). God’s favor embraces:
- The infant born with terrible fetal anomalies, destined to live only a few minutes
- The murderer on death row
- Your favorite NFL quarterback
- Your best friend
- The current occupant of the White House
- The clerk who waited on you in the supermarket
- And everyone else on Earth, whatever their ethnicity, nationality, religion or political views
In short, this is the source and bedrock of the Church’s social teaching: human dignity. God sent his Son as Messiah and Lord, as savior, for each and every human being. As we navigate our daily routines, however challenging they may be, we need to remind ourselves that God’s favor rests on every person we encounter. Today, as on the first Christmas, it is to ordinary people that God has chosen to make his message known.
Over the two millennia since that holy night, the Church has been singing the angel’s song in the Gloria of the Mass. As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s open our hearts even wider to the angelic message: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.
Sr. Patricia Pora
Thank you, Sr. Doris! Sometimes we need reminders…
Sarah Brown
Awwww Sr. Doris – Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder! Many air hugs and well wishes during this advent season! Blessings, peace, and joy – Sarah
Sister Carren Herring
You have made the word flesh, Doris. Thank you
Patricia Cook
Oh Yes, dear Doris,
Your message rings clearly in my heart this morn,
with clarity and loveliness,
ever ancient, yet ever, oh so new!
Thank you for this ringing Good News, Patty
Richard Mary
Dear One, thank you for being another “herald of Good News!” Your comparisons of reality across the centuries draw us into that deeper oneness of humanity. We long for peace – only to know the truth is to simply rest in God! Blessings, RM
Mary Daly RSM
Dear Doris,
Thank you for your hope filled message of God’s presence and love. Many blessings!
Nancy Audette
Words of great wisdom and hope. Thank you, Doris!
Marian McSwigan
Thank you Sr Doris for this wonderful reflection. May the Peace of Christmas be with you
Marilyn Gottemoeller
Thank you for your reflections, especially those highlighted: all the people on earth who are in desperate need, regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, religion or political views. May we learn better to meet these needs as a country and as individuals.
Jackie Moreau
Helps the right focus.
Susan Bell
Lovely commentary. Thanks for filling my heart with joy🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
RITA MACINDOE
Dear Sister,
Thank you for making this wonderful comparison from 2000 years ago to the present time. The times are so similar as far as religion, politics and economics are concerned. Hopefully and prayerfully our differences today can be handled with diplomacy and love for all mankind.
Elaine Schneider
Thank you Sr. Doris. Beautiful words of encouragement at this time. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas. Stay well.
Jean Marie Kearse
Thank you for adding your healing stitches to the great divides in our country.
Marian McSwigan,Mercy Associate Cincinnati Ohio
Thank you Sr Doris for this very very pertinent reflection especially in these difficult times.
Wishing you Peace
Of Christmas and good health.
Marian McSwigan Mercy Associate Cincinnnati Ohio
Canada Carol
A good reminder and helps us to reflect on what is important in life. Our Savior always with us today and for eternity. Let’s share the good news with our friends and family.
Natalie Rossi
Thank you. I appreciate your words
Sarah Marie Sherman
Doris,
Thank you for reminding us of some important things we sometimes find it easy to forget.
Treacy Manion
Truly beautiful.
Sue LaVoie, Companion in MercyI
What hope I found in your reflection … hope and a quiet joy and trust that ‘all will be well’ in God’s time.
Sr.Cathleen Cahill
Thank you, Doris. Yours is a sensitive message of hope. Blessings of this beautiful season. Cathleen Cahill
Shirley Agnew
Thanks Doris. God’s heart is so, so big. Room for all..saints, sinners, democrats, republicans, the high, the lowly, etc. etc.
dolores brien
Thank you for helping me to prepare a way for His coming into my heart and soul by your weekly reflections.
Associate Lynn Cooper
Thanks, Sr. Doris, for sharing this beautiful story of the Christ child who came to give us peace. I am thankful for the gift of peace during these challenging times of the pandemic. I’m always reminded that God is with us and His favor is upon us. Your message is so encouraging!
Pauline Borghello
It seems that human kind never learns but you’re reminder of hope is our gift to hold. Thank you so much.
Trish Rice
Doris,
Your words were right on target with where we find our country, states and cities today, as well as people everywhere around the world. Thank your for your reflections . Glory to God in the highest”, and on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.
Trish Rice
Doris, your words were right on target for today. We have such divisions in our country, states and cities. It is only fitting to be reminded that God’s favor is without end and with everyone we meet. Indeed, Glory to God in the highest”, and on earth peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.
Sharon Kirsch
Sr. Doris, thank you for reminding us of Gods love for all people and our roll in spreading His message of love to others.
Deanna Dutro
Awesome- thank you for your wisdom insights.
Merry Christmas
Dee
Joy Clough
“Those on whom God’s favor rests” = everyone. Such a good reminder (and challenge) in this time of angry division. Thanks, Doris.
Helen Amos
Thank you for translating the message from Luke into a message for today. Thank you for the reminder that the endless bounty of God’s mercy extends to everyone I meet, everyone I read about in the newspaper, etc., etc…
Christmas blessings to you!
Helen
Fran Repa
Yes, God’s favor rests on absolutely everyone…no exceptions.
Thank Doris, for the reminder and reflection. Advent Blessings.
Fran Repka
Yes, God’s favor rests on absolutely everyone…no exceptions.
Thank Doris, for the reminder and reflection. Advent Blessings.
Patty Normile
Thank you Sr. Doris. Your thoughts are appreciated.