Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright. . . the beautiful beginning words of one of the most popular Christmas carols honoring the birth of our Lord, Jesus. Don't these words paint such an amazing picture in your mind? Can you see the dark night? The bright stars shining? It's so cold that you can see the breath of Mary and Joseph as they walk towards Bethlehem, their destination. Now, how about in the manger? Can you smell the animals and the hay? Can you hear the animal sounds? What about the soft crying that the child Jesus makes? Maybe you hear Mary, His mother, singing softly to Him to calm and comfort Him. Perhaps you ask Mary if you might hold Jesus for awhile and rock Him gently. Maybe as you hold Him in your arms, you lean over and kiss his forehead and whisper quietly, "Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for coming. It's not going to be easy, as you know, but you came just the same. Thank you."
Our children are not too young to begin to meditate on the words, wisdom and stories of our Lord. It's very important that we guide them to this holy practice. It's as simple as painting the picture for them in their minds. Maybe tonight, as you tuck your little one into bed (or even older one!), after you say your evening prayers together, you can have them close their eyes as you paint a picture of the Nativity in their mind. In this fast paced, stressful world that we live in, the gift of meditation would be a most valuable one to teach and give to your child. It's so simple. . . close your eyes, get quiet and still, and visualize the profoundly simple, humble event that changed the world. A baby, His mommy and daddy, a manger, some animals and a cold, dark night. See. . . you are meditating already!
God bless you and your family as you journey towards Bethlehem!
lisa
