The Nativity of the Lord
Luke 2:1–14
REFLECT
St. Francis of Assisi tenderly referred to Jesus as “the babe of Bethlehem.” We sing fondly of this modest village in “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” This apparently insignificant town — a remote and minor place in Rome’s mighty empire some 2,000 years ago — is the home of our King. David’s “royal city,” Bethlehem itself, teaches us about the Christmas mystery. Our Lord has come to lift the lowly. Jesus enters our world simply, in a village at the end of the earth. And yet, because the Lord made Bethlehem his home, Saint Jerome would describe Bethlehem as “the most glorious place on earth.”
PRAY
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending us your Son, a Savior for our broken world. May our hearts become other Bethlehems, humble dwelling places where the Lord might make his home. Amen.
LIVE
Play Christmas music throughout the day, favoring hymns and sacred music to help contemplate the mystery of today’s wondrous feast.