Our God is with us always – He never leaves! This Christmas day I think about the holy family and their experience that first Christmas day. No room at the inn, Mary in pain after just giving birth, a newborn baby and an exhausted Joseph.
perseverance
What resilience! They were faced with discomfort, exhaustion, lack and uncertainty, yet they managed it all with humility. I meditate on a nativity scene I received as a gift and notice the characters. They are unassuming, accepting, selfless, obedient, trusting, peaceful, joyful, caring, loving and protective.
our mother
I see Mary, attentively looking at Jesus who is wrapped in swaddling clothes. I think of her motherly instincts kicking in. She wrapped him in warmth and comfort. Mary cared for her son and provided for him in the most inconvenient, uncomfortable scenario. As our spiritual mother, she does the same for us. No matter our situation, Mary is there to provide warmth and comfort.
patient strength
I think of Joseph and the journey he just completed. I’m reminded of my walk on the Camino de Santiago this past summer. I remember how exhausted I was each day after walking 15-17 miles. At the time, I was responsible only for myself and most of those days I knew where I was going to lay my head.
I specifically remember my 25 mile day on the Camino. I walked with an awful blister and was coming to the end of my day. There was a very short period of time where I had trouble finding the hotel. Although it was only about 5 minutes, it felt like forever. I was growing frustrated, doubtful and hungry.
I imagine what Joseph had to endure – total exhaustion, possible hunger, a pregnant wife giving birth, the uncertainty of bringing a child into the world (and not just any child) and no place to stay.
When I look at my nativity scene, I notice Joseph looks overwhelmed with love and concern for his family. Unlike my experience on the Camino, his focus is the “other”and not himself. Come to think of it, it was NEVER about himself. Joseph was selfless.
fear not
Lastly, I focus on the shepherds that first Christmas. For me, they represent all disciples of Christ. Initially they fear the angels. However, they remain engaged long enough to hear the angels proclaim, “DO NOT BE AFRAID.” They remain engaged and follow the guidance of these messengers of God. I think this is a message for us to be still, discern God’s will and call on Him for guidance.
So much to glean from these characters. There are reminders and examples. We are reminded that Mary is our spiritual mother who is warm and comforting. As the spouse of the Holy Spirit, we can turn to her in confidence.
We have an example in Joseph to be selfless, patient and strong no matter what. The shepherds provide a reminder AND example. A reminder to call on God for guidance and an example of what it takes to discern God’s will.
not just one day
A few days ago, I reviewed my Advent journal. The task was to review past entries and determine how God spoke to me this season. Here’s what I came up with: Every year on Christmas day we remember the birth of Emmanuel – God with us. Truth is, God is with us always so, in reality, every day is Christmas!
Will you open your heart to feel His Presence within? Can you open your mind to maintain the spirit of Christmas throughout the year? Remember our God is with us always – He never leaves!
Merry Christmas and God bless you!
Beautiful!