The Holy Family painted by Greg Olsen
During the first week of December 2021, I went to visit my almost 4-month-old (December 8) Grandson in Orlando FL. I visited during September and October 2021, enjoying the baby and his tenderness. These visits reminded me of Baby Jesus and the Holy Family.
Although I have three adult kids and two older grandkids of 15 and 12, this is the first time I’ve actually reflected on the fragility of a newborn, an infant or a toddler. My grandson depends totally on his parents for: eating, sleeping, bathing, clothing etc.! I also got to participate in feeding, bathing, and dressing Baby Kenai Daniel.
My imagination got the best of me! I imagined how Mary had to breastfeed the babe and clean his poop! She kept him warm, watched over him while he slept and took care of herself with Joseph at the same time!
The word fragility came to mind. Mary and Joseph took care and protected Baby Jesus just like every parent today. God sent messages to Joseph through dreams so he could keep Baby Jesus safe.
The mother and child had to withstand different moments of danger through his life:
- The trip to Bethlehem- Mary was in her last month of pregnancy during the rugged 80-mile trip through desert and hills sitting on a donkey!
- The trip to Egypt- Joseph was warned by an angel about the impending danger in Bethlehem. He fled to Egypt right away during the night and stayed there until further notice. (7 years)
- Later on, Jesus was lost and found at the temple– Mary with Joseph searched for three days until they finally found him talking with the Jewish priests at the temple. Jesus said he was taking care of his Father’s business.
Christmas reminds us of the fragility of Jesus. The same fragility he accepted with love in order to save us. He understands everything we go through whether good or bad because Jesus experienced the same growing pains as we did.
But this fragility became a part of his strength and courage to die for us on the cross later in life. Above all else is the love which led him to live among us. He left his teachings to help us unite with the heavenly Father.
This Christmas when you look at the Holy Family, remember the love that has always been, is still with us, and will always be.
Christmas is a great time to appreciate and be aware of how Baby Jesus accepted becoming fragile in order to save us. He shows us that life is found in those fragile human moments. As Jesus grew in strength and wisdom, His love empowered him to die for us so we can all live with him someday.
May we all recognize how fragile we are. Let’s unite our efforts to walk together through life with Jesus to reach our celestial home!
very well put! I believe we sometimes feel like Jesus was supernatural and that he never went through the same growing pains that we all did. Thanks for this insight.
It’s amazing to think that Mary and Joseph had to teach him to walk, to do chores, and even scripture which is why the Gospel says he grew in wisdom! All thanks to his parents!
Aren’t babies wonderful!? I’ve been blessed with 9 grandkids and with each one the love is so overwhelming – that first touch – each time you hold them and care for them and realize how completely innocent and helpless they are. They rely on someone else to care for them. I’ve never reflected and connected this with baby Jesus and Mary – so I have now and thank you so much. What a journey she had and challenge on a daily basis to care for this new infant.
And to think that Jesus, being the Son of God, chose to come into this world to become one of us so He could say: I know how it feels to be human and helpless as a baby.
Great insight and ponderings! I love when the Lord brings revelation to our everyday moments! Thanks for sharing!
I have a blog post in which I compare my faith to a rollercoaster ride with its ups and downs. And God is always there following you on your topsy turvy ride of Life.
Wonderful reflection. I love thinking about all things babies, newborns, the miracle of life. I have a new grandchild coming in 3+ months and have six who are 7 years and under. So much fun and really is amazing thinking of the Holy Family!
I have my newest grandchild to thank for making me aware again how fragile we all are, even Baby Jesus!
This is such a beautiful post, and being able to do a reflection using your grand baby is perfect.
I know we tend to forget all the grateful moments because the way the world works now. Hustle and bustle and only getting extravagant gifts missing the real blessing and only gift that we should be celebrating. Good job! 👍🏼
It’s amazing how both caring for my grand baby and the timing of being in December led me to think about Baby Jesus and his humble beginnings!
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