When our extended family gets together, there’s usually at least one mom holding her baby with a throng of people standing around. This is how folks typically react to a little child. The tiny, helpless person attracts our attention. It was similar centuries ago in a cold, dark cave in Bethlehem. At that first Christmas, Baby Jesus attracted humble shepherds and well-to-do Magi alike. In the presence of God become Man, status is inconsequential. Our differences and objections and everything we think is important dissolve, and we are left with the Prince of Peace.
Christmas always carries with it a note of nostalgia. During Advent, we anticipate the commemoration of Christ’s first coming and the inevitability of His second coming. We ponder the past anew. Jesus giving Himself to us is the supreme gift. We contemplate the first Christmas, mingled with the memories of Christmases we’ve shared with our loved ones. We may think of gifts we gave and received, of God’s countless blessings.
Even the secular world, with its songs and colorful lights, cannot help but harken back to that silent night brightened by the grandest Light. Because of the music, snow, and décor, Christmas has always been a sort of magical time and remains so. Ellen and I have been able to walk closely in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph as we anticipate the birth of our baby girl later this month. As we recall God’s supreme gift, we’re also thankful for the awesome gift of this new life.
Here in the LiFE Office, we have a lot to contemplate and be grateful for. Our director, Therese Stahl, says, “Christmas is the affirmation of Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus took on the defenselessness, dependency, and vulnerability of human life to teach us that we are each dignified, sanctified, and protected in His
holy name.”
Our new marriage preparation coordinator, Aubri Bourge, talks about the season through the eyes of a mother: “I get to see Christmas with a child-like joy. It makes me think about Mary, celebrating Jesus’ birth each year, and somehow loving Him more and more. That’s the type of love I feel for my children, so we can only imagine how deep Jesus’ love is for us.”
Aida Ceja, administrative assistant for the LiFE Office, says, “Christmas means Jesus being born in my heart and sharing the hope, love, peace, and joy with others.” Project Rachel coordinator Kathy Berkes adds that it’s important to practice simplicity during this season and keep the Infant Child in all things: “Like quiet moments catching glimpses of twinkling lights on fresh fallen snow. Sharing the joy and laughter of family, yummy food, and gift exchanges. Finally, offering thanks and praise to the Holy Family who made it all possible!”
We’re thankful for our Parish Respect Life Coordinators, prayer partners, and devoted Sidewalk Advocates for Life who lovingly offer resources to women entering the Rockford abortion facility. One of our advocates is a faith-filled Lutheran. Once again, Christ unites us as Christians. People from all walks of life unite for the pro-life cause. Babies bring folks together! We strive to help those in need, especially the desperate and vulnerable. Jesus is active in His universal Church, working through all the baptized.
Today, our Lord labors to unite all members of His Body. On that first Christmas, He united the lowly and the proud. Through His Incarnation and birth, He united Heaven and earth, divinity and humanity. He unites us to Himself in holy Communion and companionship. When we are reunited with family members this Christmas, let’s remember that we do so because of Jesus, for whom we celebrate and feast.
