God makes himself present in this crib (G.K. Chesterton / Pope Francis)

Christmas is built upon
a beautiful and intentional paradox:
that the birth of the homeless
should be celebrated in every home.

 --G.K. Chesterton 

    The mystery of Christmas fills our hearts with awe – a key word – at an unexpected message: God has come, God is here in our midst, and his light has forever pierced the darkness of the world. We need to hear and accept this message anew, especially in these days tragically marked by the violence of war, by the momentous risks posed by climate change, and by poverty, suffering, hunger – there is hunger in the world! – and all the grave problems of the present time. It is comforting to discover that even in those painful situations, and all the other problems of our frail human family, God makes himself present in this crib, the manger where today he chooses to be born and to bring the Father’s love to all. 

Jesus, you are the Child who makes me a child.

You love me as I am, not as I imagine myself to be.

In embracing you, the Child of the manger,

I once more embrace my life.

In welcoming you, the Bread of life,

I too desire to give my life.

You, my Saviour, teach me to serve.

You who did not leave me alone,

help me to comfort your brothers and sisters,

for, from this day forward,

all are my brothers and sisters. 

--Pope Francis

Blessings at Christmas
from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mill Valley!
 

Image source 1: Our Lady of. Mount Carmel, Mill Valley, December 2023, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=779997780832305&set=a.770843431747740
Image source 2: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153998251410723&id=7891870722&set=a.10153998251330723
Quotation source 1
Quotation source 2
Quotation source 3