There was no room in the inn for this child to be born in a dignified way. He was laid in a manger. Luke 2:8 Yet, we long for our children that they not be overlooked, overbooked, overwhelmed, under-clothed, under-loved, under-graced. Why should we expect more? This story keeps our ambition and envy in check. "We want our kids decorated and indulged. In our day, the poor envy the rich. The rich disdain the poor." M.Henry ~ Not so for Jesus. He entered his world in poverty of goods. Open our eyes, O God, to see when: We want our whole lives embellished. It's called: Entitlement. May we be more concerned about the poverty of our souls.
Mary was not concerned about this birth of mean estate. What did she want for her Son? Mary fully pondered what was happening before her very eyes. May we live to Fully Wonder, Fully Ponder this Living Word, this breathed Word we have in our hands. Luke 2:51.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Father, you wrote in Psalm 107:43: "Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder." God, help us learn to ponder Your Word. Help us live to wonder.
Holding a baby in my arms as I contemplate today's readings. Imagine Mary holding the Son of God in her arms. Imagine Mary giving life to the One who would bring life to her. Watching that baby God grow in stature and strength, she held God in her heart in a way no other human has known. A young girl scared and innocent, she knew enough to know she was blessed among women. She knew enough to wonder at the amazing Gift. She knew enough to know she couldn't fully know but could treasure all these things, pondering them in her heart.
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