The Christmas season ends Sunday with the feast of our Lord’s baptism, and I am thankful our nativity scene remains on display until then. I thought about how the shepherd boy brings one of his babes, the lamb, to offer. In return, Mary offers to him her Son, the Lamb of God. Exchanging a lamb for the Lamb of God is in no way an equal exchange. It is the most lopsided exchange that could ever be made and yet this is how He and she wish it to be for us.
Think about the paradigm-shifting hope that comes from consciously living as awaiting the Heavenly wedding banquet.
Contemplating the first Christmas: Am I ready for Christ to be born in my soul?
We are to be the leaven of our families and homes, the salt of the relationship. Permitting His healing sanctification, we are God’s living covenant to every soul we meet; after all, the covenant is intended for them too. We must not be salt that has lost its taste (Luke 14:34).
The St. Andrew’s novena is prayed from November 30 through December 24. Enjoy this contemplative version as you prepare to receive the Christ Child in your heart. 😊