The Nativity

During this Advent Season I have been listening to the Advent Reflections on the Hallow App. 

There was a reflection this past week that I am still pondering in my heart. 

The Nativity. 

I reflected by answering these questions and visualizing myself at The Nativity.

The Reflection begins with the Gospel of Luke, the story of the Birth of Jesus.

Everyone traveled to his own town to be enrolled. Joseph therefore went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David. He went to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Luke 2:3-7

I then listened to the story a second time..

The next step was to visualize myself on the journey to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph. 

What did they talk about? 

Me: I imagine they had a conversation about their change of plans. After imagining myself listening to their conversation, I reconsidered how I respond when my plans change. Mary and Joseph placed their trust and faith in God. I pray I learn to do the same. 

Now picture the manger, the animals and the humble stable...

Me: I watched The Chosen Christmas Episode last weekend. While watching I realized something I hadn't before... The stable wasn't ready. It wasn't clean because animals lived there. Joseph most likely had to shovel manure to make a birthing room for Mary. True humility. Teach me, St. Joseph and Mother Mary to be humble.  

 Imagine Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus... 

What do you see, hear and feel? 

Me: I see a glow. I hear the song silent night. I feel a warmth.

Now picture yourself as a shepherd going in haste to Bethlehem after being told by the angels that the Messiah has come. 

When you arrive at the manger what do you do when you see the Baby Jesus? How do you greet Him? 

Me: I am in awe. I can't stop smiling. 

What thoughts are going through your mind? 

Me: Is this for real? Am I truly witnessing the birth of our Savior? I am humbled. I am rejoicing. Glory to God in the highest! I am eager to hold Him. 

Imagine sitting with the Holy Family and spending time with them. 

What do they say? What do you talk about with them? 

Or perhaps you sit in silence with them... 

I am standing at a distance, still in awe from the light and love before me. Mary and Joseph invite me closer. Mary asks me, "Do you want to hold Him?" 

Sometimes we are afraid to hold something or someone. 

That was not my response to this question. 

"Do you want to hold Him?" 

I want to hold the Baby Jesus! 

I am eager to hold Him.

I hold the perfect Baby Jesus in my arms and close to my heart.

My hope for you, is to hold the baby Jesus close to your heart as well.

This blog does not do the reflection justice.

However, I wanted to share it and share the app, https://hallow.com/ .