When I gaze on the innocent face in this image of the Christ Child, I see the face of God looking back at me. Throughout these days of Christmas, I have pondered the miracle of the Incarnation. I feel so small and insignificant when I recall that Almighty God, the Creator of the Universe, became man to save us. As father said in one of his homilies during this Octave of Christmas, God could have chosen to come down from Heaven in all His glory and power; but, instead, He chose to come to us as a helpless infant. An infant is much easier for us humans to approach. A powerful and mighty king is frightening and repels us in distress.
In today’s Collect at Holy Mass, Holy Mother Church teaches us that Our Lord’s Nativity established religion. And, religion provides us with the spiritual space to develop a friendship with the Lord. Father ended today’s homily with this powerful thought that I paraphrase. God’s reach to us is much greater and stronger than our rejection of Him.
Perhaps this Divine Infant’s gaze is telling us, “My love for you is so much greater than you know. Pick me up, hold me and you will see that my burden is light, and my love is endless.”
I pray: “Sweet Baby Jesus, although I am unworthy, allow me to cradle you in my arms. Let me feel your warm, calm and soft body as a reminder of your gentle love. Permit me to look into your eyes so that your returning gaze can touch my soul with your Divine Grace.”
Almighty ever-living God,
who in the Nativity of your son
established the beginning and fulfillment of all religion, grant, we pray, that we may be numbered
among those who belong to him,
in whom is the fullness of human salvation.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the holy spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (Collect, Mass Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord)