Go To Bethlehem And See
When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger. (Lk 2:15-16)
Today, we have an opportunity to travel to Bethlehem. No, not literally, perhaps; but, nonetheless, with the church decorated so beautifully and the manger prominently in place, we have a chance to imagine what it might have been like for Joseph and Mary to bed down in a place that usually housed animals and witness the birth of the Savior.
When Jesus’ birth came about, He was heralded by the angels to some of the shepherds who were in their fields.
The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found everything exactly as the angels had proclaimed. They were the first visitors to see the face of God on the newborn child.
What a privilege! What a joy!
We may not be able to go back in time and we may not be able to travel to Bethlehem; however, we have the opportunity to reflect upon the birth of the Lord this day. His birth began a process that would lead to the cross and to death and, for us, to the resurrection that ensures us the hope of eternal life.
Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus.
Help us to be ready for your return!
FAITH ACTION: In silent prayer, maybe while you are sitting in church before Mass, reflect on the words from “O Little Town of Bethlehem”.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous Gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still,
The dear Christ enters in.