Last night at the Christmas Vigil at St. Vincent de Paul in Wildwood, our priest reminded us of something beautiful and challenging: we need to empty our hearts and invite Jesus in. We need to let go of the things that are burdening us to make room for Him.
On this holy Christmas morning, we celebrate the most profound truth of our faith: God loved us so much that He became one of us.
In that humble stable in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, infinite Love took on human flesh. The Creator of the universe made Himself vulnerable, small, dependent—all for love of you and me.
Jesus didn't arrive in royal splendor or overwhelming power. He came as a baby, inviting us to draw near without fear. This is the heart of Christmas: God's love isn't distant or abstract. It's intimate, tender, and personal.
But here's the beautiful paradox: just as Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn, we sometimes fill our hearts so full of worries, regrets, and burdens that there's no room for the Christ Child. Jesus knocks gently at the door of our hearts, but He won't force His way in. He waits for us to clear the clutter, to release what weighs us down, to make space for His love.
Today, as we gaze upon the Christ Child, we see Love gazing back at us. Every cry from that manger whispers, "I came for you." Every breath He takes proclaims, "You are worth dying for." The Son of God left heaven's glory because He wanted to be with us—to share our joys, our struggles, our very humanity.
This Christmas, let's receive the gift He offers: Himself. Jesus doesn't just love humanity in general—He loves you specifically, completely, eternally. He knows your name, your heart, your deepest longings.
What burdens are you carrying today? What worries, fears, or regrets need to be released? The infant Jesus stretches out His tiny hands to receive them all. Empty your heart and invite Him in.
As the angels sang "Glory to God in the highest," they announced peace to those whom God loves. That's us. That's you.
This Christmas Day, may you feel the warmth of God's love surrounding you like those swaddling clothes embraced the infant Jesus. May you know, deep in your soul, that you are God's beloved.
Merry Christmas! Emmanuel—God is with us!