Christmas Touches the Whole of Creation

Somehow I realized that songs, music, good feelings, beautiful liturgies, nice presents, big dinners, and many sweet words do not make Christmas.  Christmas is saying “yes” to something beyond all emotions and feelings.  Christmas is saying “yes” to a hope based on God’s initiative, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel.  Christmas is believing that the salvation of the world is God’s work and not mine.  Things will never look just right or feel just right.  If they did, someone would be lying…But it is into this broken world that a child is born who is called Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, Savior.     – Henri J.M. Nouwen (The Road to Daybreak)

THE BIRTH of JESUS

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered…All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  – Luke 2:1-7

PRAYER

Lord, let us pray with Henri Nouwen, saying: “Thank you, Lord, that you came independently of my feelings and thoughts.  Your heart is greater than mine.” We welcome you. Amen.

12 DAYS of CHRISTMAS ACTION

STOP. REST. Be PRESENT with your family members, neighbors, and sojourners.