December 25, 2014
Nativity of the Lord
Do you remember when you were born? If you do then your memory is likely from stories told by your parents and grandparents. In the Gospel according to St. Luke, we hear of the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Mary e.g. the census, the journey to Bethlehem, no room for travelers, birth of Jesus, Mary wraps Jesus in swaddling clothes and places the baby in a manger, angelic chorus and shepherds paying homage. St. Luke tells us: “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.†In the Gospel according to St. Matthew, we hear the infancy narrative from the perspective of Joseph. He is troubled when he learns that Mary is with child before they lived together. Not wishing to hurt Mary, he intends to divorce her quietly when an angel comes to Joseph in a dream and explains that it is through the Holy Spirit that Mary has conceived. The angel asks Joseph to take Mary into his home and then, after the birth, to name the child, “Jesus†-- meaning the "Lord saves." By naming the baby Joseph is saying publicly that the boy is his. Joseph sets a beautiful example for us at Christmas. He welcomes Mary and Jesus into his home and lovingly cares for them. Joseph, as the foster father or stepdad of Jesus, will share his Jewish faith with the boy, take him to the synagogue, teach him carpentry and protect him from harm. Today, we welcome Jesus into our lives. Like, Jesus, Mary & Joseph, every family has difficulties and challenges. When we pray together, reflect on Sacred Scripture, go to Mass and receive Holy Communion, we appreciate that we are not alone. God is with us. Emmanuel.
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