Dec. 12: Baby, I Love You

During Advent, do you ever look up at the crucifix and try to imagine Jesus as a baby?  We see Jesus on the cross, see him in the Eucharist—but do you see him in your neighbor?  Or in the fussy baby a few pews ahead?

God is love and of love.  When we struggle to see another person as a brother or sister of Christ—when we struggle to see ourselves that way—we should imagine a baby.  A vulnerable baby: so open to love, so willing to give its love through a touch or smile.

This is the reason why Jesus came as a baby: to show the dignity of even the smallest, most vulnerable human being.  As we grow older, let us never lose sight that we are still just as vulnerable—and capable of Christ-like love.  Then let us share that love with those around us, and be Christ to them.

Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another…If we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is perfected in us.

(1 John 4:11-12)

Jesus, You came as a babe so as to open our hearts more

readily to You.  Help us open our hearts up to each other!