God Made Flesh for the Salvation of the World – A Christmas message from Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcast

In this Christmas Day reflection, Msgr. John Esseff contemplates the mystery of the Incarnation as the defining act of God’s love for the entire human family. Drawing from Isaiah, the Letter to the Hebrews, and the Prologue of the Gospel of John, he proclaims that the Creator of the universe has entered human history as a child, born of the Virgin Mary, to bring salvation to all people.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the eternal identity of Jesus Christ as the Word through whom all things were made, now dwelling among us in human flesh. He invites listeners to gaze upon the infant Jesus and recognize that this child is the radiance of the Father, the light that shines in darkness, and the source of grace poured out upon the world. Christmas is presented not simply as a remembrance of a past event, but as a present encounter with divine love made visible.

Throughout the episode, Msgr. Esseff speaks to the universality of Christ’s coming. He proclaims that Jesus has entered the world for every person, regardless of background, belief, or past failures. He encourages listeners to approach the crib with honesty, humility, and trust, allowing the love revealed in the Child of Bethlehem to cleanse, heal, and renew the heart.

The reflection concludes with a gentle invitation to prayerful self-examination before the manger, inspired by the teachings of Pope Leo the Great and Pope Francis. Msgr. Esseff calls listeners to rest in the mercy of God made flesh, to receive grace upon grace, and to carry the joy of Christmas into the world by living in union with Christ, who has come and remains with us.

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Reflection Questions

1. How does the Incarnation change the way I understand God’s closeness to humanity?

2. What part of my life needs to be brought honestly before Christ at the manger?

3. Where do I struggle to believe that God’s mercy reaches even the darkest places?

4. How am I called to carry the light of Christ into my relationships this Christmas?

5. What does it mean for me personally that God chose to become flesh for my salvation?

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Gospel Jn 1:1-18.

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming afte