The Blessing Of Family

27 Dec

Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind:
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright she bore to us a Savior
When half-spent was the night.

Just a couple of days after Christmas and at the beginning of the Octave of Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of a promise made to God’s people long ago. It was a reason for great joy in the world as seen by the angels singing God’s praises to the shepherds in the field.

That fulfillment of a promise also created a family. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were bound by a unique love. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and Mary the Mother of Jesus had reason to sing God’s praises. However, they also had reason to worry.

Almost from the time of Jesus’ birth, bad news kept arriving at their doorstep. Herod wanted the child killed as he perceived Jesus to be a threat to his kingship. The family would have to flee to Egypt. As Jesus grew, word would spread about people who hated Jesus and wanted to kill Him.

I am sure that this put great stress on the family. They knew what stressors are all about. Our own families, as perfect or imperfect as they may be, also experience stress many times. We need to turn to God and ask Him to protect our families, to bless them, and to bring them peace.

If you live in an intact and wonderful family, count your blessings and be there for friends who may not be as fortunate. If you live in a dysfunctional family, entrust yourself and your family to God and ask Him to give you the grace that you need to deal with one another.

We are all one family in Christ and we need to show our care and concern for one another. Let us attempt to do so today.

FAITH ACTION: Ask God to bless your family with Christmas joy, love, and peace.