The Third Joyful Mystery:
The Nativity

“And Joseph too went up from Galilee… to the city of David that is called Bethlehem… to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Lk 2:4-7).

“And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” (Lk 2:4-14).

The Word of God, the very Son of God, the Splendor of the Father, chose poor human parents and even a livestock trough for his cradle. He chose poor and lowly shepherds to welcome him into this world. And when the wise men came bearing gifts, they quickly learned this poor little king was in every important way wealthier than every king before or after him. The riches of heaven could not seek after the riches of earth. Indeed, we must often withdraw from the riches of earth to make room for the riches of heaven!

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

The Creator of the universe becomes a human child, becomes one of us. The Uncreated One, the One beyond time and space, enters into time and space, unites with the creature. And as he unites with us through our humanity, he invites us to unite with him that we may have a share in his divine sonship, in a heavenly inheritance, in divine intimacy. Indeed, “[t]he Son of God became a son of man so that the sons of men might become sons of God” (St. Athanasius). Jesus has prepared the Way and this very day leads us on, ever forward, to ever more fully realize divine sonship through Him.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

Envision yourself as one of the shepherds kneeling beside the infant Jesus in the manger. Imagine the all-powerful creator of the universe stooping to become a tiny embryo, then a helpless human baby born to a poor couple in a stable. The almighty Lord of the universe embraces poverty, humility, and vulnerability. Now peer into those infant eyes knowing God gazes back. Know that he lowers himself from his inconceivable heights beyond creation itself to the lowest, poorest human station for love of you and me. Consider how Mary and Joseph grapple with who this child is and what this will mean for their lives.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

The angel of the Lord delivers the wonderful news of the incarnation to poor, lowly shepherds rather than the religious and political leaders. Why does God so often prefer the poor and lowly? In what ways might we become more “poor and lowly”?

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We are meant to become “mini-incarnations,” as it were, for God is to dwell in us as well. Do we look for the image of God in ourselves and others? How do we find and nurture the trace of God in others?

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“The Son of God became a son of man so that the sons of men might become sons of God” (St. Athanasius). Do we realize what a great dignity we have as brothers and sisters of Christ? How can meditating on this dignity within ourselves and others bless all?