Only Mary and Joseph know exactly how long it took them to find shelter on that first Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. They probably prayed very hard that they would find a suitable place for little Jesus to be born. Mary knew, from the message of the Angel Gabriel, that her Son would be the Son of God, the King of Kings, our Savior—and here He was to be born in a stable used by animals, oxen and donkeys and perhaps goats. What humble beginnings.

We too have humble beginnings but it may not be apparent to you. We are born usually, these days, in a hospital, surrounded by professional healthcare givers who know what to do if something goes wrong during the birth, but many of our grandfathers and mothers who came from Europe didn't experience these luxuries. I was born in The Netherlands, in a sooty coal-cellar during World War II, with a British tank on one corner of the block and a German tank on the other trying to demolish each other. I don't think the feeble cries of this baby could outdo the noise above!

For Mary and Joseph the stable was all they had. Knowing who her Son was, she wanted much better for Him. But Mary settled for what was available. During her whole life she was a strong example of humility. How many times have we been satisfied with a little portion? Jesus asks us to be happy with what we have and not to want what we cannot or, perhaps, should not have. Jesus asks us to deny ourselves and be happy with little. Be happy with the "stable" if that is all you have. When you count your blessings rather than complain, He will bless you richly. His blessings are not the material things we sometimes crave but they are of much greater value: they are blessings of eternal life, with Him!

Mary and Joseph suffered on that first night. Jesus suffered throughout His life until His death. Yes, my brothers and sisters, Jesus died for us so that we might live. His love is greater than any love in existence. Many people, especially during this time in the history of mankind, suffer from hunger, great illness (cancer, Aids, etc.) lack of work, and lack of Faith, and when things go wrong some people blame God. But God does not bring pain and suffering. Suffering we all experience is because of Original Sin; it just hits some harder than others. There seems no rhyme or reason to it.

I pray, during this Christmas Season for many things, but two in particular. First, I pray that your Christmas will be richly blessed. I pray that you will remember what Christmas is all about, namely, the Birth of Christ. Secondly, I pray that, in faith, you will reach out to a sick person. People are sick in several ways: physically, mentally or spiritually. Please reach out and touch someone with your prayer. Bring a little cheer into the lives of others.

We wish you a very special Christmas, filled with moments of Grace and much joy as you celebrate Jesus in your midst.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
(bc-11)