Midwest Mary

The Third Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary

The Nativity

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:4-12).

Reflection

Required by Emperor Augustus to register, Joseph and the very pregnant Mary journeyed from the meager comforts of their home in Nazareth to the overcrowded and unwelcoming city of Bethlehem. Not one person opened their door to the coming of the Messiah. Mary found herself giving birth in a stable among the field animals and laying her precious infant in a bed of hay.

The mystery of Jesus’ nativity offers much to ponder. God chose to be born in the human form of Jesus in a modest and humble way. There was no cradle, royal robe, servants, or castle awaiting the birth of this King of kings. Even the very basics were lacking. The most important being to walk the earth entered this world in the most unpretentious, poorest, and dirtiest locations and at quite an inconvenient time for his mother.

When wondering where, how, when, and with whom we find God, we can look to this mystery for some of the answers. Be alert and look around you. Jesus may be found in unexpected times and places. To whom do you open your door and your heart? How do you prepare for the second coming of Christ?

Prayer

At all times, in all places, and through all people, I welcome you into my life, dear Jesus.

Illustration

The light of the world lives among us by Joseph Cannella

–Excerpt from The Rosary Prayer by Prayer. How and Why We Pray the Christ-Centered Rosary of the Blessed Mother by Mary K. Doyle
*Note: Amazon incorrectly lists this book at $14.95 as a hardcover. It is in fact a paperback. This book has consistently sold since its first publication in 2005.

©2024, Mary K. Doyle