Jesus is born Luke 2:1-7
In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered… All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David because he was of the family of David. He went with Mary, and while they were there, Mary gave birth to her son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
· This would have been a big inconvenience for Joseph and Mary, especially as Mary was very pregnant. How do you think they responded? What would their prayer to God have been like at this difficult time?
· Joseph and Mary would have travelled along the road with other people. How did they support each other on the way?
· Imagine what it would have been like to find no room at the Inn when Mary was in such need.
· Someone must have directed them to the stable where the manger was. Who do you think that person was?
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Our faith is lived out in the world, where events beyond our control impact on our lives. What are some of the events that impact my life, events over which I have no control? (E.g. natural disasters, war, accidents, illness, death)
· Can I see God’s presence in such events?
· Can I recognise God’s power working to bring good out of misfortunes, suffering and even death?
· Our best is often not nearly as good as we could desire. How do we react when our best is not all that good?
· How do we react when someone else’s good is not what we would hope for or expect?
Prayer
‘The word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us.’ Thanks be to God! Amen!