When a new child arrives in a family, everyone comes to see the baby. We are reminded that we all began like this little and fragile being. The baby does not say a word, rarely opens her eyes and when she does doesn’t really seem to see you. Otherwise, her days seem totally devoted to being fed and sleeping. We wonder what this child will be. But we cannot venture to speak for the future. We only want to open our heart to the one who is given now, and to say: “Welcome among us. Welcome in our family and our world. There is love waiting for you here: be at peace.”
Jesus was born in a stable and placed into a manger. He came out of the womb of His mother Mary only to be taken into the loving arms of Mary. The stable was for him a house of love, a place where He was welcomed, cared for and loved. It really was a dwelling place, outwardly a miserable and fragile shelter, but inwardly a palace: what better welcome can you find in the world than the love of the Virgin Mary and St Joseph? God dwells in the Saints. Moreover, God dwells in the love of the poor. He inhabits hearts which are simple and humble, open and available, ready to welcome the gift of God’s presence and let themselves be filled with it.
Now, not only shepherds and poor members of the People of the Covenant, but also wise men and rich foreigners are equally drawn to this abode of love. They come, as one does, to see the Babe – a baby like any other baby who, nevertheless, is the prince of peace in His palace of love. They meet with the Child and His mother. This is the most elementary form of the Church. This is the first expression of this communion with God and among us of which the Church has been placed in the world to be the sacrament. All come to the inexhaustible wellspring of love which is opened in the persons and the names of Jesus and Mary. We come to Mary desiring to see Jesus. We come to Jesus and He leads us to Mary.
Can you feel the Babe drawing you to Himself and to His mother? Have you recognised the unique strength and the unique sweetness of His love for you? Outwardly, the Babe is quietly asleep. Do you feel His powerful presence? Do you understand that He lies at the centre of your life, at the centre of the world, of the heart of creation and history? Even angels sing at the birth of the One who unites heaven and earth.
You, too, tonight, enter your Bethlehem. Find the stable and prepare the manger in your heart. Make of your poor self a loving dwelling place. Step down from any pretence and vainglory. In this humble crib of yours, you’ll find Mary who will lead you Her newborn Son. Do not hesitate to make your heart a palace of silence and adoration. Open the humble dwelling of your heart, and Christ will find His resting place in you. He will make it His royal residence. He will reign in you and, with you and from you, will extend His rule of peace, justice and mercy.
Become a man or a woman of good will and, in the strength of Jesus’ presence, be a peacemaker, a bridge-builder, a presence of reconciliation and hope for our distraught world. Jesus is born among us. He is born in us and for us. Let us welcome the gift of the new life He offers us tonight.