“And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.”
– Luke 2:51
Meditation
The Paradisus Dei altar tells a beautiful story of the mystery of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The providential addition of Mary and Joseph to each side of the altar goes further to communicate a particular and important truth of this plan of salvation – God chose to bring about His plan through a family. In fact, the family is still God’s preferential plan. Life and love still begin for the human person within a family. “The future of the world, and of the Church, pass by way of the family” according to Pope St. John Paul II. As we contemplate the mystery of Christ’s birth within a family and the Father’s entrustment of Christ to a couple, to Mary and Joseph, let us seek to bring life and love into our own family, those particular souls who the Lord has entrusted to us.
Live It! Tip of the Week: Write down the following question and leave it on your bedside table: “Lord, how can I better love my family today?” Ask yourself this question in the morning, think and pray with the question during the day, and the Lord will surely begin to show you where He is inviting you to deeper love! At the end of each day, you can then recall those opportunities with gratitude and prepare to love your family even more the next day.
Prayer
Lord, may we see your hidden face in our family as we celebrate your birth.
“For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given;
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still,
The dear Christ enters in.” (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
