God’s astonishing rescue operation begins in obscurity and silence. Caesar Augustus forces Joseph and Mary to leave their simple dwelling in Nazareth. Together they set out on a difficult journey traveling on foot like the poor, despite Mary’s being with child and the discomfort that accompanies her.

Complying without hesitation to the imperial decree, they are guided by their deep faith in Divine Providence.

With no room for them at their destination, they are left to take shelter in a cave on the outskirts of Bethlehem. The privation of this animal refuge does not discourage or scandalize them. They know that the Child who is about to be born is the Son of God and that God, as often is His custom, makes use of what is humble and undesirable in the eyes of the world to accomplish the greatest of His works: the Incarnation of the Word.

As the prophet foretold, God’s works are entirely different than human designs:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As              the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts                than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

May your heart become a crib for the Newborn King to arrive again!