GLORY TO GOD ON HIGH
It’s
the story we know so well – the birth of Jesus in a manger. It is
fascinating that Jesus was born in a manger, since there was no room in
the place where travelers lodged. He was not born in a palace or made a
show of His birth. The birth of Jesus was first manifested to simple men
– shepherds. Jesus, who one day will declare Himself as the Good
Shepherd, is met by those shepherds who remain on the outskirts of
country and society. There are no fanfare, lights and cameras. Only a
few people witness this sight on this holy night. Mary, His mother,
wraps Him in clothing. Joseph takes care to keep mother and babe warm
and comfortable as possible; the
shepherds come and rejoice in this gathering of peace and joy.
And
yet this is a great day for the world and the entire mankind. There are
the angels who joyously proclaim the peace of God to the world in and
through the babe in the manger. He will save people from their sins.
This is the meaning of the name given to the child – Jesus — He “saves.”
Some have proclaimed Christmas day as a day of fire. It is the fire of
God’s love — a fire that purifies and cleanses, destroys and shatters.
Sin is no more, since the child born for us will be the One who takes
away our sin. He is born to die for us.
It
will be good to reflect upon the scene we are familiar with in our
churches and shopping centers, homes and offices – the Nativity. Take
time to reflect on the characters displayed in this scenery – shepherds,
Mary, Joseph, Jesus and other characters. Ignatius in his spiritual
exercises teaches us to ponder and treasure as Mary did the Wonderful
Counselor, Prince of Peace, the child born for us. Think of how our God
comes to us in the humility and gentleness of a child. Let us hold the
babe in our arms and feel the closeness of God to His people.Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Let us remain with Mary and Joseph for a few moments and give thanks to the God of peace and mercy.
This
day I give thanks to You, Father, for the gift of Your son, Jesus, to
me. May my life be a gift to Him in exchange for His love to me. Amen.
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