Christmas, Cycle C
Our Lady of Grace
December 25, 2006
The Manger Comes Alive
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
The Manger
Ask, “Where do folks place their Nativity or Manger Scenes?” (Answers: under tree, on the mantle, on the hearth, on an end table or coffee table.)
Growing up we placed ours front-and-center under the Christmas tree with the gifts around both sides.
As a child I used to love to lie on my side in front of the manger and act out the parts, a bit like playing with soldiers.
My young boyhood view of the crèche was a more satisfying experience than even our annual Lionel train set-up in the spare bedroom. It seemed that my imagination really came alive when playing with these figures that had to do with God.
I’d pick up each of the figurines and think about the expressions on their faces and how they interacted with each other figurine.
I didn’t know it then, but these little statues each year began to express more and more the profound mystery and gift that the birth of the Son of God was for me.
Let me show you what I mean.
The Child Jesus
(Styrofoam box with all the figurines in it.) The figure of the newborn child Jesus was always in the center of the Nativity scene.
This child has come to symbolize the child that lies dormant within each of us.
My prayer for you this Christmas would be:
➢ That the newborn Jesus calls you to stand in wonder at the greatness of the universe and of creation.
➢ That the birth of the child leads you to reverence the life of every child from the very moment of conception.
➢ That the newborn Jesus leads you to reverence the sacredness of the life of every human being.
Mary and Joseph
And on each side of Jesus were Mary and Joseph looking lovingly over their infant son.
My prayer for you this Christmas would be:
➢ That the example of Joseph and Mary moves you, as a parent, to care tenderly for your children.
➢ That as a parent you understand that “what you say” and “how you say it” will have a direct effect on your child’s self-esteem and security.
➢ That as a parent you have the patience and wisdom to guide your children in the way of the child of Bethlehem
The Shepherds
A bit away from the sacred trio stood the shepherds who came out of their fields to see the Savior whom the angels have announced.
My prayer for you would be:
➢ That you come to the manger with the simplicity of the shepherds.
➢ That, like them, you realize that money and possessions are not the greatest gifts we can give and that it’s our presence to each other that makes the difference.
➢ That you remember, like the shepherds, you and I are spiritually poor and in need of the Savior.
The Magi
And then a little farther removed were those three famous fellows from the East – the Magi or Wise Men – who are seeking the child and bring wonderful gifts.
The gift of gold is the finest of metals.
➢ May you give the gold of yourself, caring for others, even when it may not be returned to you.
Frankincense creates a pleasing aroma when it is burned and rises up as smoke to the heavens.
➢ May you bring the frankincense of prayer to the manger as you lift up your voice to to pray for peace on earth and good will toward all.
Myrrh is used to prepare a body for burial.
➢ May you bring the myrrh of kindness to the sick, the suffering, the homeless, and the hungry.
The Star
And finally, what would a manger be without the star of Bethlehem shining brightly above it.
My prayer here would be:
➢ That the star that is Jesus, light your way on this earth as you struggle to love others.
➢ That he enlighten us with God’s Word and the God’s will.
➢ That the star of Jesus draw us more and more fully into communion with the Church, the Body of Jesus on earth.
Conclusion
Your manger set, or Nativity scene, has a great deal to tell you about how Christ’s coming can make a difference for your quality of life.
Take a few moments
➢ (3:30/5:30) with your children and have them explain what it is telling them)
➢ (10:00) when no one else is around, to see what it is telling you.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment