Mary and Joseph were exposed to the elements the night the Christ child was born. Imagine the scene with a dark blue sky and twinkling stars above them. The crackling of a small bonfire kept them warm inside the manger, and its smoky scent offset the odor of the animals. Despite the dark and chilly evening, the shepherd boys and the Maji found their way to the little cave where they adored the newborn babe.
All were amazed. All felt the Holy Spirit moving. All hearts were full.
Thank you, Jesus, for all you have given to us. You are our everything—our hope, our strength, our light, our love, our peace and joy, our hope in our struggles, and our pain.