The moment we’ve been waiting for and anticipating with great joy has
finally arrived! The birth of our Lord is a story known throughout the world and
throughout the ages and yet, it is an intimately personal story for us all. As Mary
and Joseph experience the miraculous birth of their Son and their Savior, Jesus is
born within all of us as well. As they experience the unparalleled elation, joy,
bliss, and wonder of holding their beautiful baby Boy in their arms for the first
time, we too are given this singular gift as we welcome Him into our lives. The
King of the Universe humbled himself to the point of becoming this tiny baby,
completely dependent upon Mary and Joseph to care for Him and born in the
most humble of circumstances…and He did this all for you. His love for you is that
great. With the birth of this one small child, everything has changed. The world
will never be the same. And neither will we.

What to expect going forward:

 Just as Jesus has grown and developed in Mary’s womb over the course of
the last nine months, He will continue to grow and develop outside of the
womb. And if we allow Him to, He will continue to grow within us as well.
 Babies need a lot of nurturing and love and this particular baby is no
exception. Your relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship
you will ever have and you will need to nurture and care for His presence
in your life, just as you would a vulnerable newborn.
What to do to prepare for the rest of your life:
 Continue to reflect on the ways in which you can continue to “birth” Christ
in your own heart and in your daily life. Find practical ways to live out the
mystery of the Nativity throughout the year.
 Carry the peace and joy of Christmas forward, paying special attention to
the poor, the lonely, and the vulnerable around you.

 Never abandon your fight for justice for the unborn. Remember their
inherit value as so beautifully demonstrated by Jesus choosing to come to
us at this most vulnerable stage of human development.