Our Heart is the Bethlehem

It was December 1st, the First Saturday Mass.

Our son attended CCD formation classes some years ago. As part of the curriculum, the students are required to attend 9 AM Masses on the first Saturday of each month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It was the Advent season, and the churches were decorated for Christmas so we were not surprised as we entered the church that we were greeted by the sight of beautifully decorated interiors that reflected the upcoming Advent season. The interiors were beautifully adorned with greens, reds, silvers, and gold, giving a strong Christmas vibe.

Two gigantic Christmas trees were positioned on both sides of the altar, beautifully adorned with multicolored lights that hung all around them. The lights added a warm glow to the trees and reflected the twinkling lights on the ornaments, creating a joyful, mesmerizing effect. With the music, the ministry was practicing the hymns—it was a pure delight!

To the right side of the altar was a large nativity set that could be seen clearly even from the back of the church. This particular nativity set stirred my thoughts more than any other, and I would like to tell you why.

As I gazed at the nativity set, I noticed something that made me feel uneasy. One of the shepherd was looking towards the congregation instead of towards the manger where Baby Jesus lay. This unique depiction caught my attention and stirred my thoughts. I'm 100% sure this was the first nativity scene I've ever seen that gave me such a feeling.

Here is why —

One of the shepherd is depicted looking towards the congregation instead of the manger where Baby Jesus is laid. I thought it was interesting.

I refrained from questioning or criticizing how it was presented. However, the message profoundly impacted me, as if it implored me to reflect upon it and conduct a deliberate evaluation right then and there. The expression on his face meant something.

As I sat on the pew, I reflected on the message of the nativity scene and the state of my soul. I asked myself if I was prepared to visit Baby Jesus and if I was truly in a state of grace. These questions filled me with mixed emotions, and I wondered if I was the only one who felt this way.

Several things crossed my mind, such as—

"Do I want to visit the Baby Jesus?"

"When should I go?" Or am I ready to accommodate His coming?"

And, "On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 indicates total unpreparedness, and 10 indicates being highly prepared, how prepared am I for this visit AND to make room for Him?"

Every day comes with its own set of struggles and triumphs, and it's essential to deal with each in a way that follows Jesus' teachings. As we all know, that can be a challenge on some occasions, given our fallen nature and that we inhabit a fallen, broken world.

It is true that preparing for Christmas was not just about the festivities and the material things that we needed to cross off our list but also about our spiritual and emotional well-being. This is another reason we are encouraged to participate in the community penance service.

Naturally, I needed God's help to keep my spirit willing to receive inspiration and guidance, just like everyone else. The enemy can attack from any direction, especially targeting our most vulnerable spots, and I cannot afford to get caught off-guard.

In conclusion, the nativity scene at the church reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of being spiritually prepared to receive the blessings of the season.

Jesus was born to live in our hearts. Our heart, in essence, is the Bethlehem.

Now is your turn to share your stories ingrained with a heavenly touch. Shoot me a message, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

Many Blessings!