The incarnation of God should never be reduced to an annual holiday. It is an awesome mystery to be contemplated and appreciated continually!

Not only did God become human, He did so in a very specific way. He chose to be born in a barn amongst animals. He chose to be baptized and to spend His life advocating for, healing, and loving those who were poor and ostracized. He chose to die on a cross.

Today, take some time in gratitude for God choosing to enter the world for us. Really contemplate Luke’s version of the story of the birth of Jesus. Try not to get caught up in the usual images that we see in Christmas cards or on television. Instead, use your imagination to place yourself in the scene. What do you see, hear, smell? Where are you standing in this scene?

These were real people who had just traveled a long distance and were about to give birth. They were rejected at the inn and sent to the barn with the animals. Why might the inn owners not have found a small place for them? How might Mary and Joseph been feeling emotionally and physically?

Why would God choose to enter the world in this particular way? How is He speaking to your heart today as you read, reflect, and pray?

• Pray the Advent Prayer..

• Click the video below to listen to today’s song for reflection.

• Prayerfully read Luke 2:1-7.

• Pray for the grace of a deeper understanding of the incarnation of God and the birth of Jesus.

Song: Emmanuel