Solemnity of Mary

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.  All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.  And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.  Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.  When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.  Matthew 2: 16 - 21

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.  This is the day that we honor Mary as the mother of Jesus.  In the gospel for the solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God opens with the uplifting story of the shepherds who rush to Bethlehem to see Mary and Joseph and an infant lying in a manger.   The image of these simple shepherds is one that gives a beautiful picture.  The shepherds went with great joy sharing the message of the angel with everyone who would listen.  They came and paid homage and returned to their fields praising God for all they had witnessed.

Each year at this time I find myself drawn to reflecting on the Christ child lying in the manger.  This tiny infant changed the course of human history.  Christ came that we may have life and live it to the fullest.  As we sing the traditional Christmas Carols let us reflect on the reality to which we are called.  We are called to relive the birth of Christ and look at what that means in our daily life.  This Christmas let our hearts be opened to the love that came so that we may know love.