This morning I read an article, The Christmas Story for Grownups, that I want to share with you, because it was so poignant to me. The author discusses the Christmas story that is rarely told to children, and how St. Matthew's version of the birth of this Precious Child surrounds Him with anything but tranquility. It's the story of Jesus's first moments and days on earth that even adults don't want to spend much time contemplating.
Bryan Massingale, a professor of theological and social ethics, takes this version of Jesus's first days and compares them to our own time in history. I encourage you to read The Real Christmas Story (the name by which it was published) and then read from the Gospel of Matthew. In light of Fr. Bryan's article, you may find yourself reading these verses from Matthew with new eyes.
Then I suggest that you and I spend time in prayer, after these two readings: Ask God what we can learn from the gospel message. Go deeper - is there more than only the story of our Savior's birth? We can imagine ourselves too in any of the scenes. Next ask the Christ Child for the grace to live this holy season with true compassion for those who dwell on the margins, including those who would welcome even a stable for their shelter tonight.
May we always remember that Jesus came to us at a time when the world was brutal and hurting. May we continuously turn to Him for the true Peace. Amen.
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