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Email: "The Silence of Christmas and the Role of the Family"

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BY LifeSiteNews.com By Matt AndersonDecember 23, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – It is incredible to think about the miracle and historical reality of that Christmas over 2000 years ago when our Lord entered this world.  Indeed, in some sense, it was a Christmas that was very different from Christmases of today.  That evening, Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a place to stay in town. As hard as they tried, the inn was too full to welcome our Lord, too taken up with people returning to Bethlehem to take part in the government’s census. Many of the people in the inn, who probably hadn’t visited Bethlehem for a while, were probably caught up in many of the same activities that we all will be when we see our families in the coming days. They probably were talking loudly, laughing, sharing stories, and catching up with acquaintances that they hadn’t seen in a very long while. And in all the bustle of the scene, Joseph, Mary and Jesus were turned away. I wonder how many people in the inn noticed the pregnant woman outside. I wonder how many felt pity for her, but were too comfortable to relinquish their spot in the inn.So, being refused by those who were caught up in the bustle of that night, Mary and Joseph retreated to a stable in the country side where the miraculous birth of Jesus occurred. It’s incredible, isn’t it? In order for our Lord to be born, God led his parents away from the loud scenes of the inn to the quiet countryside around Bethlehem. There, wise men and shepherds met Him to worship Him. The only noise that accompanied his birth was a heavenly one, announcing to the shepherds the coming of Emmanuel.Today, though, we seem to celebrate Christmas like those in the inn rather than like those in the fields. Oftentimes we can become lost in the pleasure of the season: the gifts, the food, and the fun. However, what the Christmas story really shows us is that Christmas is about going out to where it is silent and worshiping the Lord there. It seems to be more of a call away from distractions than a go-ahead to engage in partying. Do not get me wrong, as God clearly showed in his angels, it is a time of heavenly festivity. Families should get together to laugh, talk, and share this time with one another. But instead of festivity focused solely on enjoyment, true family celebration almost seems to be the voice of the angels announcing his coming once again.  In celebrating with our families, God calls us to the manger. He calls us to worship him in the silence of that cold night in Bethlehem. This, in fact, is one of the greatest blessings of the family. The family is that instrument which God uses to draw us closer to his heart and immerse us more in his love.  The family provides the perfect context for this. This essential role of the family in the spiritual life is what makes it the building block of a true society. When the family teaches virtue, when it practices true celebration, it makes possible a society in which all people are invited to be part of that celebration.The worship of God is the whole reason for the family, and it is the reason that we come together with family at Christmas. It is in this purpose that the family finds its true meaning. Without this purpose, the family can simply become a conglomeration of people who may or may not enjoy each other’s company. However, when the family is ordained towards God, then the simple enjoyment of other peoples’ company is surpassed by a higher and greater joy - that of worship of God.This Christmas, then, let us all truly celebrate with our families. Let us enjoy each other’s company, yes, but let us allow God to show us His love through this enjoyment.  So, I pray that this year, all of you might truly grow more and more in love with your families and through them, with Christ. I will be praying for all connected to LifeSiteNews.com during this season: all my fellow co-workers in this mission, our generous donors, and our many readers. May God bless you and your families, and may He continue to guide you in 2010. http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/the-silence-of-christmas-and-the-role-of-the-family/

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