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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

As a mother of eight children, I have seen my babies bring smiles to the hardest of hearts. Babies naturally bring us joy, and the Lord came to us small, meek, and humble in all His goodness and glory. I close my eyes and try to picture the nativity scene, the sky full of the choirs of angels singing in joy while the shepherds make haste to go and seek this newborn king, their flock following close behind. The beautiful, bright, shining Christmas star guides the way—the shepherds full of hope, awe, curiosity, and joy as they follow the star in anticipation.

Upon hearing the news, I wonder if the innkeeper recognized that the King of Kings was born in his stable. Did he go and meet baby Jesus?

I imagine the scene within the stable as the shepherds approach the holy family. The light from a candle flickers a warm glow that bounces off the walls. The smell of damp hay tickles their nostrils, and the animals curl up, occasionally raising their sleepy heads, wondering what all the fuss is about. Baby Jesus is peacefully in the manger, wrapped in swaddling; tall and strong Joseph stands close to the entrance, guarding and protecting his family. Mary, the gentle mother, gazes lovingly at her son, her heart pondering, marveling at all the Lord has given. Mary looks up as the shepherds approach and, with a gesture, invites the shepherds (and all of us) to open their hearts to the wonders of our Lord and together to join in glorifying and praising God for loving us so much that He gave us His only son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Ponder:

 

Do I remember to praise and give thanks to our Lord for all the blessings in my life in my daily examen? 

 

Pray:


Lord, please help me be a gentle mother like Mary and remember, even in my poverty, to praise You with thanksgiving, like the shepherds on that first Christmas night.

 

 

Daily Gospel 4

Copyright 2024 Allison Brown

About the Author

Allison Brown

Allison Brown

Allison Brown is an Australian writer, wife, and mother of eight. She brings hope to the suffering through her writing and is actively involved in the Apostoli Viae community. Allison contributes regularly to CatholicMom.com and CatholicExchange.com. She has also contributed to SpiritualDirection.com. Follow her at Vineyard.to/AllisonBrown and on Instagram.