Feast of Christmas
Imagine Mary and Joseph, anticipating the birth of their first child, just very young parents trying their best to care for their child. Imagine the pains of labor for Mary without her mother near, in a place far from home, trusting that the God who has brought her this far will not leave her now. Choosing trust in hard times, in joyful times, carrying all these things in her heart. Imagine the joy and relief of mothers around the world when their child is born, moments of hope for their child, hope for their future, hope. “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) God dreams possibilities for all, abundant life for all, for every child, for every person. The infant Jesus breaks through into history and changes everything, not by being outside creation, but by participating in creation, by being born from a woman into a family on the earth. The Christ Child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, cries out from the manger. God with us. Here. Now.
Laudato Si’quote:
233. The universe unfolds in God, who fills it completely. Hence, there is a mystical meaning to be found in a leaf, in a mountain trail, in a dewdrop, in a poor person’s face. The ideal is not only to pass from the exterior to the interior to discover the action of God in the soul, but also to discover God in all things. Saint Bonaventure teaches us that “contemplation deepens the more we feel the working of God’s grace within our hearts, and the better we learn to encounter God in creatures outside ourselves”.
For Reflection:
In what ways do I imagine the birth of Jesus as God’s participation in creation? In what ways am I filled with wonder by contemplation on a leaf, a mountain trail, a dewdrop, a poor person’s face? How might I help every child, and their family, to have hope for the future?
Prayer:
God of Mercy and Love,
Help me to remember every child born this night. May I have the courage to ensure that they are born into a world that has room for them at the inn. Emmanuel, God with us, break into my heart this Christmas. In your name we pray, Amen.
Dismantling Racism: "Watch Night" Prayer Invitation
The Central Pacific Province's Shalom Racial Justice Committee invites you to welcome the new year with a freedom’s eve “Watch Night” prayer service. The first Watch Night services were celebrated in Black communities as they awaited news that the Emancipation Proclamation had actually become law. Watch Night services have now become an annual New Year’s tradition that includes the memory of slavery and freedom, reflections on faith, and celebration of community and strength. Click here to download the Watch Night prayer resource.
