|
Christmas is special. John 3:16 states the meaning of Christmas. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him may not perish, but have everlasting life. Jesus is born and lives among us. Mary is central to Christmas. At the Annunciation she agreed to become pregnant. Pregnancy is always a cross, but for Mary it would be especially hard. The culture at that time was not kind to unmarried teenaged pregnant girls. Stoning was common. She delivered Jesus in a stable. Mary had a strong faith and the support of Joseph. We have Christmas because of Mary's faith and courage. In the Legion of Mary we try to emulate Mary. She carried Jesus for nine months. We carry Jesus in our bodies when we receive Communion. Mary brought Jesus to the world. We bring Jesus to the world when we do our Legion work. Mary cared for Jesus and provided for his physical and emotional needs. In doing our Legion work of welcoming strangers, visiting the sick, teaching Religious Ed., evangelizing, and visiting people in their homes, we are providing for the needs of the Body of Christ (the Church). Because of God, Mary and the Christians through the ages we have Christmas. Let us rejoice. |