When the Dawn Finally Breaks

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122425.cfm

As the Church stands at the threshold of Christmas, Fr. Tyler Mentzer, MIC reflects on the ancient longing written into every human heart — a longing that reaches its peak in these final days of Advent. In the words of Zechariah, we hear the promise fulfilled: “because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us” (Lk 1:78; NABRE). This is not poetic sentiment. It is the proclamation that God has entered history to meet humanity’s deepest hunger.

Father Tyler invites us to look at the power of tradition — family gatherings, Advent wreaths, Christmas liturgies, and the quiet reverence of the Mass. These are not empty customs. They awaken a desire placed within us by God Himself. Even those who rarely practice the faith often feel this pull at Christmas, because the soul remembers what it was made for: Communion with God (Catechism §27).

Zechariah embodies this longing. He waited, hoped, doubted, and finally believed. When God’s promise was fulfilled, his silence was broken into praise. So it is with us. When the human heart comes into contact with Christ — especially in the Eucharist — it finds its voice. The soul sings because it has found what satisfies it. Nothing less than God Himself can fill the human heart.

Christmas reveals that God does not remain distant. The Father hands over His Son. Christ hands Himself over in the Eucharist. The Church hands Him to the world. This is the radiant dawn that breaks into our darkness, guiding our feet into the way of peace. The question before us is simple and searching: Will we allow our longing to lead us where it was always meant to go — to Christ alone?