Luke 2: 7-12 -The Nativity

Luke 2: 7-12 -The Nativity

And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

Meditation

The only-begotten Son of the Father, Almighty God, is born as man, born of the Virgin Mary. He comes not as a mighty King, he chooses neither the capital city of a kingdom nor a palace. He finds no place to stay, not even at the inn. He cannot yet speak. And yet he is the living Word of the Father, the visible proof of his merciful love. God has become a child, no-one can fear him. Poor shepherds are the first people he calls. He is the great joy of the Father for our world.

Prayer
Father in Heaven, for millions of the homeless, of refugees from war and disaster, there is no room at the inn this night. Many children are born into this world in conditions unworthy of our human dignity. Jesus in his poverty lives in them. Show us how to welcome them into the peace of Bethlehem.
Amen.

Source: The Rosary booklet from Aid to the Church in Need