Merry Christmas
The most wonderful time of the year. Whether you are with family or celebrating alone, there is always that moment of joy knowing that God has come to earth. Not as a king with fanfare and marching parades and trumpets blaring. But in poverty.
Every year we celebrate by giving gifts and with food. Every year the Christ-child comes in poverty. There is something about a Nativity set that draws me into reflection. I admit, I think I have five sets that I leave up year-round. I need to be reminded daily how God became incarnate. The only way people could ever get to heaven is if God came down to earth, became one of us, and then died for us.
When I look at Mary, I think of her as the Immaculate Conception. From the fall of Eve, God had a plan to bring us salvation.
As I see Joseph, always standing quiet, never saying anything, how he obeyed God through the instructions of an angel.
The Magi, God came for everyone.
The shepherds and the first Gloria, may we always sing the praises of God.
Even the animals, sheep, oxen, donkeys, and camels, all grew silent at the birth of a King. Their breath warmed the cave and the little family.
There is much to reflect upon.
Depending upon which mass you attend Christmas Eve or Day, there are several options for the readings. The Nativity of the Lord Christmas Vigil Mass has the genealogy of Jesus and the story of Joseph listening to the angel to take Mary into his home. The Mass During the Night gives us the story of the angels breaking open the heavens and sending the shepherds to worship the new-born babe. The Mass At Dawn, the shepherds arrive where Jesus is born. The Mass During the Day we have the gospel of John, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
No matter what mass you attend, take a moment and look upon the Nativity Scene at the church. What strikes you this Christmas Day? Follow the Blessed Mothers example, take this to heart and reflect upon it today. Perhaps there is an angel whispering a message in your ear from God.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and if the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen