Manger

                                              
The best place to begin your visit to our St James Outdoor Christmas is at the Manger. You will find it under the tree decorated with Stars and Hope Ornaments.

A manger holds feed for animals. The manger in Bethlehem held the Bread of Life, the Food of our souls. After Mary's womb, the manger was the first tabernacle. It held the Body of our Lord.  

In the ancient times, when people thought of a stable, they thought of cows, donkeys, and hay. Only after the Gospel was proclaimed around the world did the term "stable" evoke an image of the Infant Christ. Our perception changed because God entered the picture. In our lives, we encounter countless familiar people, situations, and objects. Our perception of them is often stereotyped. Suppose we allowed God to enter the picture.  

In the Manger, we see an image of Mary, created by God with a mission - to be Mother of Our Lord and Mediatrix of All Graces for us. She typifies both of these roles at the crib in Bethlehem. Here she can't take her eyes off the Infant Christ, her Son and God's. Yet she does not keep Jesus to herself, even in those first moments after His birth. Instead, Mary welcomes all visitors to see and adore Christ.  

We also find Joseph, the silent protector, who knows how to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. God has given Joseph the grace of courage which enables him to follow God's directives no matter how incredible, unbelievable, or difficult  they may be.  Mary asked the angel Gabriel, "How can this be?" but Joseph never asks. He accepts and acts, not seeking an explanation.

Reflection: Lord, thank you for the Holy Family, who gave us Our Lord. Open my spiritual eyes to see Your Presence in every person and every situation in my life. You often nudge me into action that seems totally incredible. If it does not make sense, I may think that I’ve not understood Your wishes. Help me to listen more closely to the Holy Spirit, so that I will follow your will. Amen.

Listen to: Away in a Manger

Activity: Watch this clip from the animated movie, The Star