Luke 2:16-21
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary
and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made
known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were
amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these
things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had
been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was
named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the
womb.
* * *
Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are my friend, my Father, and
my protector. I come to you on this new day confident in your presence. I renew
my love for you, trusting in your guiding hand.
Petition: Lord,
I want to hear the angels sing. Help me learn to listen.
1. Sometimes
We Need a Little Help: Would the shepherds have been impressed
to find Mary, Joseph, and the child Jesus if the angels had not explained what
was happening? They would have just thought it was a poor, vagabond
family—unimpressive and unassuming like their own lives as shepherds. Yet the
angels opened them to a reality that they would never have imagined or
perceived. In my life God has also sent me angels who help me discover him: the
faith of a parent or grandparent, the sweet, innocent faith of a child, the
good example of a friend, a teacher, a priest or a nun, the example of our Holy
Father. Mary also teaches me to discover God in her Son. Do I thank God for
these angels that he has sent me? Do I follow their advice and look for Christ
in the simple, ordinary circumstances of my life?
2. Hints of
a New Song: In a symphony, the first movement only
hints at the central theme. Mary had first heard this theme from the angel
Gabriel. Now the shepherds take up this theme—the hymn of the angels—and even
though the shepherds play their part with great enthusiasm, it probably makes
very little noise outside the little town of Bethlehem. Yet the song had begun,
and it would grow to a crescendo as Christ lived out his mission. History
unfolds God’s mysterious plan of salvation. I am part of that history, of that
symphony. Do I do my best to continue Mary’s song, God’s song, by living my
commitments and taking part in apostolate?
3. And His
Name Shall Be “God Saves”: Mary and Joseph take up the hymn. They
know the secret: this child will save Israel and will save all mankind. They
begin to explain to the world, using an ancient name, Joshua (Yeshua), a name
that now becomes not just a promise but a person. This is God’s new name. This
is Our God: God Saves. He is not merely a God who is the source of everything.
Our God is intimately committed to us, and he puts himself “in the line of
fire” to save us. Man had suspected that God was Creator, and the Jews had
received the surprise of his friendship, but neither Gentile nor Jew dreamed
that God was also this type of love. Do I dare to dream of God’s goodness? Do I
let Christ give me peace and hope in the midst of this despairing world?
Conversation
with Christ:
Lord, I have heard something new today. You remind me this Christmas that
it is time for a new song, a song of confidence and hope. Mary teaches me this
song, this good news. I want to bring this good news more deeply into my life.
I know that you are helping me to discover you more each day. Help me also
discover you to others.
Resolution: In Mary’s presence,
I will strive to “sing this new song” (the Christian virtue I have determined
to cultivate) today by making a special effort in one aspect of living this
virtue.