From the Gospel according to Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 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.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,   and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

The Gospel of the Lord

Testimony in Humility

Today we celebrate Merry Christmas Eve! It’s almost here! How exciting.
We reflect on how the Lord’s act of humility—stripping Himself of His divine nature to become one of us—is followed by the glorification of the Father, who sends His angels to the shepherds. A legion of the heavenly host glorifying God. What a spectacular scene! How we wish we could have witnessed it!
What happens immediately after is the evangelization of those shepherds to those around them.

This is God’s dynamic: humbling ourselves so that He may exalt us, making us living testimonies that evangelize the world.
Jesus teaches us this from His very birth.

Applied to Married Life

Marie:  Louis, you’re becoming more merciful with me every time I fall into my weaknesses. How do you do it?
Louis: Well, Marie, I’ve found a path to charity in 1 Corinthians 13. I start by understanding your temperament and the sinful tendencies typical of your personality. Then, once I understand and excuse you, I must seek your good and mine by relying on divine justice. After that, I humble myself by reflecting on how I fail to love, and finally, I ask for grace through our Sacrament so the Lord can help me love you without limits.
Marie: Wow, that sounds complicated, doesn’t it?
Louis: Sorry, I’m overexplaining. It’s really just 4 steps: understand you, seek your good, humble myself, and rely on God’s grace to love you better.
Marie: Oh, that’s simpler! Thanks, because I’m falling more in love with you every day. One day, I’m going to burst with love for you. Hahaha!
Louis: Let me know beforehand so I can step aside and not get splashed too much.
Marie: Hahaha, always such a joker.

Mother,

May we follow the guidelines of God’s Love. Praise be to Him.
And… Merry Christmas Eve!