“My
dear Lord, I imagine You today lying in the manger, an innocent baby,
surprising the world by coming clothed as an infant - helpless, unable to walk
or talk, completely reliant on Your creations to care for You. Mary and Joseph
humbly and whole heartedly took on that care. The animals also played an unexpected
role in Your care, providing whatever they could, even if it was just the
warmth of their bodies and breath in the stable. They didn’t need the
intelligence and skills of humans to be able to serve their creator. Next came
the shepherds, simple and yet sure in their trust in the angel’s words and in
their adoration for Your divine gift lying in the manger. They didn’t need
further explanation or proof or history lessons or wealth, they knew in their
hearts who You were and they came to give thanks and adore. Then came the Kings
who brought vast knowledge and wealth, and they also came with a single purpose
to see and adore, to see the Lord incarnate. They traveled far and wide and
avoided obstacles and dangers to see what was below the shining star with
complete trust that the infant was the Savior of the World. All these people,
completely unrelated and from very different cultures, all came with a united
purpose. This is the way You created us, to be united as one in prayer, love and
adoration for You, and to receive Your love and adoration as well, and to share
that love for each other.
“Oh dear baby Jesus, how can there
be those who reject You - those who do not believe and those who want to kill You?
They were there when You first came and they continue now. How is it that they
lose the purity of love for You as the Creator? How do they not recognize You
and their need to love and adore You? Oh dear baby Jesus, touch all Your people’s
hearts, ignite within them the holy flame of love, setting their hearts ablaze
with burning love and desire for You. Dispel their doubts, their fears, their
rationalizations, and instead, grant them confidence, courage and understanding
that You are the Lord, the Lord who created us and loves us unconditionally.
Grant them peace and joy as the love wells up inside them and overflows to all
those around them. Show them Your pure love and fill them with hope of life
eternal with You. Oh dear baby Jesus lying in the manger, I know You can do
this without needing to walk or talk. All You need from Your people is their
hearts, their unconditional love like Mary and Joseph, and the unwavering trust
of the shepherds and the Kings who gazed upon You when You came clothed as an
infant.”
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