Gift of Goodness

Christ is Born For Us – Come Let Us Adore Him

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:10-14

Glory to God in the highest!  The celebration of the glorious birth of Christ the Lord has begun…Merry Christmas!

Guide to Goodness

Preparing Your Heart for Christ – An Advent Nativity Reflection – The Child’s Perspective

As we get ready for the birth of love itself in Jesus Christ, let us take the necessary steps to prepare our hearts and minds. What if we bring out the creche or nativity scene and place it where it can be seen and, if the moment is right, contemplated? What if, in the Spirit of the season, the creche characters began to talk? What if they asked us questions to bring home our faith, to encourage us into gratitude and commitment? How would we answer?

The Child

I am the Father of the Child.

My Son is too young to speak.

So I will say a few words

to help you place him

at the center of your crèche

and, as you do it, allow him

to place himself in the center of you.

How many have I courted seekers

in dreams and deserts

only to be forgotten

in the demands of day?

They put me on a throne,

so you must kneel.

They say I withhold blessings,

so you must beg.

They claim I punish,

so you must be afraid.

Then my Son came out of the water

and swallowed my Word from the sky.

The dove of love descended

and my pleasure ran through him.

He never looked back,

but looked everywhere else

and saw what no one else did.

When people cried from the crowd,

he turned.

When people hid in their sin,

he forgave.

When people lost their way,

he pursued.

When people were shunned,

he reached out.

When people were in pain, he touched.

When people did not understand, he explained.

He gave himself away like one who lays

in the feeding trough of the manger

as food for every hunger.

He knows Me well.

Yet no one could thin a crowd like my Son.

His parables were mirrors.

People saw themselves and did not like what they saw.

His actions were scandalous attacks

on the conventions of separateness.

His arguments silenced adversaries.

The cry of the child in the manger

became the voice of the prophet.

My word of mercy was never so strong, yet never so rejected.

My word of love was never so perseverant,

yet never so avoided.

Of course, they came for him with clubs and swords and lies

and he met them with Me.

I was always his welcome

for those who do not know,

drawing light from their darkness,

life from their death.

In him, I Am Who I Am.

You see, he is Me among you.

So my question to you will be no surprise.

How do you listen my Son?

The perspective of the Child was originally published on December 24, 2019, written by author and theologian John “Jack” Shea for Catholic Extension. Smitten With Goodness exists to shine a light on goodness. The presence of the Catholic Church is a guiding light in many places darkened by poverty and conflict. Catholic Extension uplifts faith communities and supports individuals who bring the light of Christ to the most forgotten areas of our country, and you can support their mission here

Guide to Goodness

Preparing Your Heart for Christ – An Advent Nativity Reflection – Mary’s Perspective

It is December. We decorate our homes – trees, strings of lights, candles, boxes brightly wrapped – the whole roll out of concrete Christmas. How peaceful is your heart? The Fourth Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” Besides lighting the final purple candle on the Advent wreath, we feel the growing excitement for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The Prince of Peace is almost born.

Continue reading “Preparing Your Heart for Christ – An Advent Nativity Reflection – Mary’s Perspective”