Photo: Ruth Sanderson
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CommentsBy Sarah Chichester (Dec 24, 2009)
The four long weeks of Advent, full of expectation and longing, seem so fleeting as we gaze with wonder on the newborn Jesus. How beautiful He is! The love reflected in Mary's face is indescribable, and the sweetness of her smile melts our hearts. Joseph also cradles Him in his strong yet tender embrace, gazing with joy on the Messiah.
You sit there, content to happily watch them, when suddenly Joseph turns to you and places Jesus gently in your arms. Here He is — the One who is the comfort in your distress! The One who is your joy and your peace!
And how content He is to be by your heart for He knows that He is at home there.
Saint Faustina had an experience such as this once during Midnight Mass in 1937. "I was left alone with the Infant Jesus who stretched out His little hands to me, and I understood that I was to take Him in my arms," she writes. "Jesus pressed His head against my heart and gave me to know, by His profound gaze, how good He found it to be next to my heart" (Diary of St. Faustina, 1442).
As you hold Jesus, thank Him for coming, thank Him for the greatest gift of Himself. Love Him. Let this Christmas Season be an occasion for a new cry to arise in your heart, "Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, my Joy and my Hope!"
A Merry and Blessed Christmas to all.
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ics - Dec 24, 2009
Jesus Christ, The WORD Incarnate, give us the grace to participate in the Holy Mass of the Catolic Church always to the Will of Heavenly Eternal Father and to receive the HOlY EUCHARIST with the genuine faith and love of the Centurion.
MDC - Dec 25, 2009
Thank you Lord Jesus.