 Duccio, di Buoninsegna (1255-1319) Nativity, Maesta (front, predella): The Birth of Christ
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December 16, 2011
Dear Family of Mary!
"Dear children! Today I rejoice with the little Jesus and I desire that Jesus' joy may enter into every heart. Little children, with the message I give you a blessing with my Son Jesus, so that in every heart peace may reign. I love you, little children, and I invite all of you to come closer to me by means of prayer. You talk and talk but do not pray. Therefore, little children, decide for prayer. Only in this way will you be happy and God will give your what you seek from Him. Thank you for having responded to my call." (December 25, 1993)
Today we begin our novena in honor of Christmas. For nine days we will prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior. His coming on that cold night so many years ago was so gentle, so quiet, so seemingly insignificant...a poor child born of poor parents in a stable far from home...not the sort of event that would arouse attention. And yet, the entire world has been convulsed by it ever since. All of history from that moment has turned around the coming of that child. Like it or not, Jesus has changed everything by becoming man.
We might ask ourselves how Jesus' birth has affected our own lives. How are we different because of Him? What would life be like if He had never been born? Can we trace His influence over the years past, in our family history, in our ancestors? Can we see the traces of His presence in our personal past?
The Nativity story is powerful. Each tiny detail tells us something amazing about the love of God and the sacrifice of God's Son. I am always struck by the fact that Jesus was born in a stable. Unimaginable! But, if we think about it, our hearts are probably less habitable than a stinky stable. Our sinful souls are no place for a baby! But that is exactly where Jesus longs to be born today. He wants to come to each of us, to present His humble humanity to us, so that we can know Him. The question is, will we let him in? Will we make room for Him?
We might ask ourselves those questions during this novena. Have I made room for Jesus in the stable of my heart? Did I make room for Jesus in the stable of my heart today?
Each day I will present one or two messages that Our Lady has given on Christmas Day over the past 30 years. Maybe her words will help us to make room for Jesus!
"Dear Children! Today I also rejoice with you and I bring you little Jesus, so that He may bless you. I invite you, dear children, so that your life may be united with Him. Jesus is the King of Peace and only He can give you the peace that you seek. I am with you and I present you to Jesus in a special way, now in this new time in which one should decide for Him. This time is the time of grace. Thank you for having responded to my call." (December 25, 1995)
Christmas Novena Prayer:
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary at midnight in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of my Savior, Jesus Christ and of his blessed Mother. Amen
In Jesus and Mary! Cathy Nolan ©Mary TV 2011 |
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