December 28 — The Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus
I remember a few childhood holiday tchotchkes well. One was a simple plastic nativity. The small brown creche with a worn glitter roof brought delight, and each year, I hoped to be the one to unwrap it from the Christmas treasures. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus — the holy family in splendor and purity — a real family. A perfect family, right?
We may think of Jesus's family as one of perfection. But Matthew's Gospel illustrates Jesus's family tree as thick with scandal and deceit. Perhaps those within your own family could find some solace in his genogram. Perhaps it is an invitation for us, too.
The birth of Jesus established a new epitome for family: one of inclusion, belonging, and grace, where holiness and brokenness reconcile. By placing Jesus amid imperfection, the Christmas story offers us a new way to see how God sees family. In the complexities and burdens of being human this season, Cameron Bellm's words might offer hope:
Every family is a holy family, if you look closely enough,
Because every person bears the breath of God.
Isn't that the wonder of the incarnation?
Jill Fisk, MATM
Director of Mission Services, CHA
Pause
As you gather with loved ones this season, how might you see the wonder of the incarnation in its perfect imperfections?
Pray
God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.