A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Luke (2:1–14)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.

This first enrolment took place when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to be enrolled, each to his own town.

So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem—since he was of David’s house and line—in order to be enrolled together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the place where travellers lodged.

In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to keep watch over their flock by night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said,

“Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and peace to men who enjoy his favour.”

Wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger

Dear Jesus, how many times I have contemplated this scene, and yet it never ceases to amaze me! The angel announces that the “Saviour, the Messiah, the Lord” has been born. One might imagine a castle, acclamations and splendour… and yet “the sign is a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” How can this be? The Messiah a baby, wrapped in cloths, in a stable?

What a lesson, Lord—how different Your plans are from what I might imagine! Your message is clear. You Yourself set the example: the path to Salvation passes through becoming small and vulnerable, through giving everything, emptying oneself, welcoming circumstances even when I do not understand them, and giving one’s life. There is no other way. You said it very clearly: whoever wishes to follow You must “deny himself and take up his cross each day.” This is what Joseph and Mary did. Nothing unfolded according to their plans, yet they trusted in the Father. He knows more; He can do all things. Their task was simply to seek to do His will.

My good Jesus, help me to deny myself, to flee from my own reasoning, so that Your Love may fill my heart and I may love as You love.

Miriam: I am so deeply moved by the fact that God came into the world as a baby, in a stable…

Joseph: Yes, what a lesson in humility and total detachment. And how beautiful it is to pray with the way Joseph and Mary lived everything. Humanly speaking, it seems senseless. Yet it could not be more beautiful, nor a greater sign of total love.

Miriam: How I long to welcome whatever circumstances may come, just as they did! They must have made their plans, yet they received with peace whatever came. They knew that their own judgement did not count, that they had to welcome each situation by trusting in God, giving everything to Him and loving.

Joseph: I am praying a great deal to be able, in every situation, to do His Will—even when I do not understand it. For this, I must never try to do my own will. My will must never be the criterion. By my own strength it is impossible, but with God’s grace—through prayer, the sacraments and sacrifice—I know I will succeed.

Miriam: It already shows that you are achieving it. It is a joy to see how you now carry what used to cause anger.

Joseph: Thank you so much, my love. It shows in you too. We are very weak, but God can do all things. Thank You so much, Lord!

Mother,

Help us to welcome Your Son and to give ourselves—to give everything—as you did. May this holy night be the beginning of my total self-giving to the Lord.

Blessed and praised be God!