Is there another time of year that evokes "family" as much as the Christmas season does? Personally, I can't think of one. It is special to me this year because my older brother is celebrating his 70th birthday and we were all asked to send a card or a video. I have many memories growing up with Tim and he continues to influence my life. In the Jewish tradition they believed that the first-born son belonged to God. Of course, being the oldest boy, my parents also put him on a pedestal!! (You know the saying, "mother always liked him best!!").
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| The Holy Family |
With nativity sets on display in homes I also think of the Holy Family, especially the "waiting" for that day of fulfillment, when God would take on the form of an infant, God's presence within the child, Jesus. Mary and Joseph's faithfulness at their time of waiting is profound.
How have we been "waiting" this holy season... with a deeper sense of prayer, meditation and reflection? Do we appreciate how our parents/family values have shaped us to be the person we are? So, let us continue to hold close to our hearts all those near and dear to us in our lives as we still wait for God to come to us in the child, Jesus.
