Family Christmas

Here is a picture of me on Christmas morning at the Oratory lighting my customary candle for St. Joseph. I derive great comfort and inspiration from this special saint, who Christ himself adopted as father. I remind myself how important the vocation of fatherhood is, which is sometimes difficult for me having never been fathered myself. St. Joseph is always integral to the joy of Christmas, because we recall that it was into a humble family that Christ was given to us. St. Joseph gives the most Blessed Virgin Mary his love and support, and shepherds and guides the infant Jesus through his precious infancy. One might say that if it weren't for his manly role, our Blessed Saviour would not have survived the trials that met him in those young years.

In the context of the Holy Family, we see at Christmastide a perfect and holy example for us all. A triune unit of love and support, established by God from the beginning to be the hope for humanity. Every Christmas we rightfully strive to be with our family, and to share the joy of Christmas with them. We express our love through the giving of gifts, which is a sign of the great gift given to humanity over 2000 years ago. It is a healthy thing at this time of year to try our best to resolve differences, put aside any resentment or guilt, and try to love our family with that perfect love of the nativity. Family is the centre of Christian life for me, and it is a constant challenge to mirror the love of St. Joseph in his role of father, worker, and husband.

To clasp the Son, the Lord, was thine,
to share His flight to Egypt's shore,
with tears, to seek in Salem's shrine
Him lost, -with joy, to find once more.