Maryknoll Sisters

The cover of the Advent issue of Living with Christ, a daily companion for praying and living the Eucharist, is a painting of the Nativity by the Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio.

The genius of his art is in using a single light source to throw light on the figures against a dramatically dark backdrop.

I am very drawn to this portrait of marvel and love. It depicts a gathering of ordinary persons drawn together by a bright star to a space and time that embraced their deep longing for meaning and well-being.

It portrays a visitation by shepherds to a birth foretold in their faith tradition. The older shepherd is positioned right in front of the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes; amazement in his eyes and with both hands posed as one who’s freed by a stunning sight of pure light. The younger shepherd stands behind the older one, looking mildly at the baby. Whatever was being revealed in his heart by the wonder before him brought a faint and gentle smile on his lips.

Mary, the mother, is depicted as one who uncovers the love she was gifted to share – Jesus, the word of God. Her eyes focused on the child, gazing solemnly and continuing to ponder in her heart the miracle of her humble and firm, “ I am the handmaid of the Lord….be it done unto me according to your word.”  And, Joseph, standing as a protective presence, his eyes reflecting the spirit of his “yes” to be companion to Mary and Jesus in their journey of love and mystery.

This beautiful and contemplative expression of the Nativity is about ordinary people who heard in their life experiences the extraordinary message of God’s love.  This is Christmas – the gifting of God’s logos in us and in our midst – as wonder, as contemplation, as moments of awakening to the deep call to peace, hope, joy and love – energies of freedom that originated from God’s energy of love that flared forth in the beginning of time. 

This season, when you see a Nativity scene, gift yourself with God’s presence and wonder and smile, and ponder in your hearts your own “yes” to One who creates and sustains Life.

I wish you a blessed Christmas and a New Year of well-being and a life journey that is filled with gentleness and unwavering hope. 

 – Sister Rebecca Macugay, MM