Luke 2:1-14 Reflection ~
The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) – Mass during the Night: Have you looked for baby Jesus? Perhaps you have seen him lovingly surrounded by those gathered (including you) in a Crèche scene. Maybe you helped him by financially supporting a homeless shelter? Perhaps you spent time with those in need? Perhaps in meditative or contemplative prayer, you put yourself in the scene of Jesus for those who spiritually need you. These are all wondrous examples of you as an earthly angel bringing “Good News of Great Joy” to those who cross your life path. Thank you for praising and glorifying God for Jesus in your life.
The Angel and the Shepherds by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more detail are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Luke 2:1-14 – Scripture*
The Birth of Jesus
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
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Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 2:1-14 Reflection – Good News of Great Joy.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 2 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.