The number of Nativities displayed in various parish halls, churches, private homes and band clubs have exploded over the last few years. These are just two I discovered this year, both with a simple message. The first one shows the Holy Family in the stable of Bethlehem with a young child rejoicing at the birth of Jesus. How much can children help us appreciate the presence of the Christ-child in each of us. If we can only see the birth of Christ from the eyes of a child, we would really be able to see clearly his humanity, his innocence, as well as the joy of every mother who can hold and nurse her infant baby.
The second Nativity is with a Maltese backdrop,
a typical Maltese neighborhood, at least the way houses were built years ago. Unfortunately
today houses are made of steel, glass, and concrete and have altogether lost
their vintage limestone style. Yet this scene speaks to me about the fact that
Jesus is still being born in our midst, in our homes, in our stables and
workshops, in our squares and alleys. Most importantly He is still being born in
our hearts and in our families, as we notice folks in this neighborhood going
around their day’s work, while Jesus is being born right in their midst. Let us
hope and pray that all the Maltese recognize Him right next to them, precisely in
each other.....that is why we are called Christians, other Christs.
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