Holding God
Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas (Dec. 30)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 2: 36-40 - There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
There is a very quiet similarity among those of the Israelites who are faithful in their long, long waiting for their redemption. While others grew weary, lost interest, forgot, thought twice about it, became like everyone around them…the faithful kept hope, they kept expecting God’s promise. If hope in God is to be true, it must be placed completely in God. Oftentimes we might think that we have hope in God when we are hoping that one of the possible positive circumstances that we see up ahead will practically work out. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting possible positive circumstances to practically happen, that is a different thing than hope. St. Paul speaks about the virtue of hope in his letter to the Romans when he says, “Now hope that is seen is not hope” (Romans 8:24). Hope comes when we can’t see any practical possibility…when the only way for things to work out is through the power of God.
Though the practical outlook seemed rather bleak for those awaiting the redemption of Israel, Anna still expected God to work. She had no idea how he would work…only that he would work. The infinite power and creativity of God cannot be properly understood by our limited practical thinking. God is simply bigger and greater than we can comprehend. Those who are willing to hope beyond their circumstances, to hope beyond their own sight, will have their hopes fulfilled…beyond their grandest dreams. While the rest of the world passes by unaware, they, like Simeon and Anna, get to hold the Christ Child in their arms. This is the fulfillment of Christmas. Are we holding the baby Christ in our arms and in our hearts during these days?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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