No visitors expressing well-wishes and oohing and ahhing over the poor people’s baby lying in a bed of straw. The high priest never came, nor did any Sadducees or priests or Pharisees or scribes. No representative from the palace arrived. Relatives and townsfolk seemed oblivious to the couple from Nazareth with their newborn baby…… Later, a group of poor shepherds appeared at the stable entrance, inquiring about the birth of a child……… Nobility did not come to the manger, but humility bowed in awe and wonder. Only lowly shepherds visited that night.

"If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me."- Mother Teresa:(1910 – 1997: Founded the Missionaries of Charity)

Gospel Text: (LK 2:16-21)

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.

Reflect, today, upon the holy and captivating relationship that Mary would have shared with her Divine Son.  Try to fathom what this love would have been like.  Imagine the deep emotion and passion that would have filled her heart.  Imagine the level of unwavering commitment she would have had.  Imagine the unbreakable bond that was forged as a result of her love.  What a beautiful celebration this is to conclude this Octave of Christmas Day!