Christmas

This holy day lends itself to so many thoughts. That Christ was born in Bethlehem (the house of bread) in a manger (the object out of which animals ate) means that the Eucharist is obviously forshadowed from the very beginning of Jesus' earthly walk.

One could reflect on what it means for Christ to take on humanity in lowly humility. How is he God and Man?

What exactly did happen in the stars that notifed the wise men? What was it like to be tending sheep at one moment and then listening to the celestial song of the angels which bade the shepherds to go into Bethlehem to find the Babe.

What extra maternal joy Mary must have felt! What was going through Joseph's mind? What dedication it would take to raise a Son, not only not his own, but who was even in the manger his Lord!

I would love to explore the theological and devotional aspects of all these questions, but tonight I want to challenge you my readers to achieve blessedness.

The mother of our Lord, Mary, sang that "henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." Why? Because the Word of God dwelt inside her. That made her blessed. Now none of us need ever have the priviledge Mary had in carrying the Son of God; he has completed the work he set out to do.

However, each of us can empty oursevles of the false self and prepare by God's grace a home for such a mighty guest. We can, like Mary, carry the Incarnate God in our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can also eat (figuratively of course-ezekiel not withstanding) the Word of God. We can take his word written and make it a "lamp to our feet, and a light to our path." If you want all generations to call you blessed, make sure that at this Christmas the Word of God who has appeared in the flesh is the same Jesus, the same Savior and King, that resides within you.