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Nativity (Birth of Jesus) -Giotto (1304-1306)

Nativity (Birth of Jesus) – Giotto (1304-1306)

I was instantly attracted to the muted earth and jewel tones of Giotto’s depiction of the Nativity. It was a bit different than I was accustomed to seeing – both in color and “staging.”

Hail Mary

Mary is present to her child – having been crowned as Queen of heaven and Earth she’s present to us as well. She’s ready, willing and able to intercede for us.

Mary is relaxed in God’s plan – we’re called to emulate her grace in accepting God’s plan for our lives. I’ll admit Mary is a tough act to follow. However, we must remember that Mary was well versed in Scripture. She was able to discern God’s plan and accept it because of that knowledge. She knew that nothing was impossible for God! How well do we know Scripture – not just as a history but as God’s word to us today? Do we believe that nothing is impossible for Him? Let me say that again – NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD! Do we truly believe that?

Most chaste spouse

Joseph is contemplative, prayerful, aware and submissive. He is resigned to do God’s will even if he can’t understand it. How often do we follow in Joseph’s footsteps? Do we take time in our decision making to pray for discernment and to listen to God respond? Do we submit or surrender to what we discern is God’s will even if we can’t understand it?

Perfect models

Mary and Joseph are amazing models of faith and their lives are beautiful examples of how God’s plan is so much better than our plans. Whenever I ponder all this I laugh at how silly I am to think I can adequately control anything! I realize my desire to control is often an obstacle to Divine providence and requires so much work on my part. 🥴

Focus

Shepherds looking up and experiencing heaven on earth. When we focus on Christ and remain Christ-centered, we too can experience heaven on Earth.

Perfect peace

Jesus wrapped in cloth – vulnerable, still, peaceful. Sit with those three words for a while and think about the power of Jesus. That power is available to us as well – but we have to allow ourselves to be vulnerable, still and peaceful!

All is peaceful around Jesus – different people, realms (material and spiritual) and animals. There’s a stillness and prayerfulness in the people and a docility in the animals. That peace can only come from being close to Jesus! We remain close through prayer and worship.

Holy moments

Unlike other Nativity scenes, not everyone is gathered around or looking at the baby Jesus. While there is stillness depicted, I perceived a sort of busy-ness. Each figure seemed to be tending to their given task or call at the moment. This led me to thinking about our call and the moments in our lives.

Each moment of our lives is an opportunity to start over and raise our attention to God. To remain focused on the God given tasks at hand and not some other worldly distractions. When we do that we minimize the chance of giving in to the temptations that bombard us all day long.

I’m currently reading a book by Matthew Kelly entitled Holy Moments. It reminds me that we are constantly given the opportunity to make every moment of our lives holy moments. Of course, we can’t do that without God’s help.

I hope you take some time to ponder this image of the Nativity and share your thoughts with me. Merry Christmas! God bless you!

Our God is with us always – He never leaves!

Our God is with us
Emmanuel – God with us!

Our God is with us always – He never leaves! This Christmas day I think about the holy family and their experience that first Christmas day. No room at the inn, Mary in pain after just giving birth, a newborn baby and an exhausted Joseph.

perseverance

What resilience! They were faced with discomfort, exhaustion, lack and uncertainty, yet they managed it all with humility. I meditate on a nativity scene I received as a gift and notice the characters. They are unassuming, accepting, selfless, obedient, trusting, peaceful, joyful, caring, loving and protective.

our mother

I see Mary, attentively looking at Jesus who is wrapped in swaddling clothes. I think of her motherly instincts kicking in. She wrapped him in warmth and comfort. Mary cared for her son and provided for him in the most inconvenient, uncomfortable scenario. As our spiritual mother, she does the same for us. No matter our situation, Mary is there to provide warmth and comfort.

patient strength

I think of Joseph and the journey he just completed. I’m reminded of my walk on the Camino de Santiago this past summer. I remember how exhausted I was each day after walking 15-17 miles. At the time, I was responsible only for myself and most of those days I knew where I was going to lay my head.

I specifically remember my 25 mile day on the Camino. I walked with an awful blister and was coming to the end of my day. There was a very short period of time where I had trouble finding the hotel. Although it was only about 5 minutes, it felt like forever. I was growing frustrated, doubtful and hungry.

I imagine what Joseph had to endure – total exhaustion, possible hunger, a pregnant wife giving birth, the uncertainty of bringing a child into the world (and not just any child) and no place to stay.

When I look at my nativity scene, I notice Joseph looks overwhelmed with love and concern for his family. Unlike my experience on the Camino, his focus is the “other”and not himself. Come to think of it, it was NEVER about himself. Joseph was selfless.

fear not

Lastly, I focus on the shepherds that first Christmas. For me, they represent all disciples of Christ. Initially they fear the angels. However, they remain engaged long enough to hear the angels proclaim, “DO NOT BE AFRAID.” They remain engaged and follow the guidance of these messengers of God. I think this is a message for us to be still, discern God’s will and call on Him for guidance.

So much to glean from these characters. There are reminders and examples. We are reminded that Mary is our spiritual mother who is warm and comforting. As the spouse of the Holy Spirit, we can turn to her in confidence.

We have an example in Joseph to be selfless, patient and strong no matter what. The shepherds provide a reminder AND example. A reminder to call on God for guidance and an example of what it takes to discern God’s will.

not just one day

A few days ago, I reviewed my Advent journal. The task was to review past entries and determine how God spoke to me this season. Here’s what I came up with: Every year on Christmas day we remember the birth of Emmanuel – God with us. Truth is, God is with us always so, in reality, every day is Christmas!

Will you open your heart to feel His Presence within? Can you open your mind to maintain the spirit of Christmas throughout the year? Remember our God is with us always – He never leaves!

Merry Christmas and God bless you!

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