December 25
Christmas Mass at Dawn Luke 2:15-20BACKGROUND
This selection from Luke continues the story of the birth of Jesus begun during the Mass at Midnight. The shepherds, the lowly ones, are the first to respond to what the Lord has made known to them. Not only do they make haste to see the Child; they also report what they saw to others who also are astonished. In this way Luke foreshadows the astonishment that will accompany Jesus throughout his public life. Unlike many who hear Jesus and those who preach his gospel, the shepherds and their listeners glorify God. Mary, who earlier praised God for the news he revealed to her, reflects upon this again in her heart.STORY
Once upon a time, not so very long ago, a young mother gave birth to a tiny baby girl who had a heart defect. The doctor at the hospital said the baby would need special medical attention if she were to live. The mother, a recent immigrant whose husband was unemployed, worried about how they might get help for their beautiful little baby. In addition to being financially strapped, they had an active two year old at home and no relatives to help them. A young candy stripper who overheard the conversation between the doctor and the new mother, told the story at her family dinner table. Later that evening her mother went to the hospital to see what help the family needed. The next day she organized a group of her friends to help care for the two year old and arranged for her church guild to give the family financial support. The candy stripper and her friends were recruited to baby-sit when their mothers were not available. The new parents, the helping women, and the candy stripper and her friendshad a grand celebration when Baby Mary was released from the hospital. The baby's parents tell everyone they meet about the kindness of strangers who are now friends.Mary G. Durkin
