This blog accompanies the video Hope & Expectation at Christmas that can be found here
Remember the joy you experienced at the birth of a new baby? Relive that moment. There was excitement, joy, apprehension, a deep sense of responsibility and desire to protect, especially in a less than perfect world.
Despite any fears and concerns, you were certain of one thing…you had fallen in love, a love this child would experience and, in turn, give to others.
No matter where we are right now… starting our faith journey or settling and reflecting on a faith long-lived, we take time at Christmas to renew and refresh ourselves as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, a birth like no other — “Heaven’s divinity to Earth’s humanity” (Fr. Vincent Fortunato, OFMCap). Let us reflect on those feelings and the commitment we made to our children when they were born. Don’t we owe the same to this most divine birth? A humble birth of a child, placed in a manger, surrounded by His loving parents who would do anything for Him, and a cluster of shepherds who would keep watch over Him.
Let us ask ourselves what we should do in our present circumstances, considering what He has done for us. Are we ready to protect and defend Him? Do we nurture Him within us, being attentive to His words? Do we bring Him to visit family and friends? Do we feel His life touching us? As we see the Christ Child in the manger or being held in His mother’s arms, let us be grateful for the gifts He has given us — the love He shared with us, the challenging words that would bring us to act and serve, the promise of the kingdom, and His sacrifice and suffering so that we might live.
No matter where we are on our life’s journey, we have no excuse. No matter how able or disabled we are, if we believe, we will find a way to celebrate and fall in love all over again with our divine Lord, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!
- How do you celebrate your life?
- Does Christmas have any special meaning for you?