The Continent of the Family

The Blessed John Paul II Shrine is full of life during this Christmas Octave. Lights are dancing, green trees are sparkling, and visitors are filled with hopeful anticipation of the work to come—particularly the exhibit on the life and legacy of Blessed John Paul II. 

The Shrine is currently hosting another exhibit, which is especially meaningful today on this Feast of the Holy Family. Nearly 100 African Crèches, or Nativity scenes, are on display at the Shrine, as well as other statues and artwork from 23 African countries and tribes. This Christmas Across Africa Exhibit includes wood and stone sculptures, Coptic icons, banana leaf Nativity scenes, polished stones, and papyrus paintings. The beautiful statue of the Holy Family in the picture above comes from Zimbabwe and was carved from black serpentine stone.

It is fitting, of course, to have crèches on display during the Christmas season. It is even more fitting to have these particular crèches on display at the Blessed John Paul II Shrine, for the late Holy Father was very fond of the young and vibrant Church of Africa. He traveled to African countries quite often, and he found that the Christian sprit was very much alive there, especially in African families. In a homily given during his 1995 visit to Kenya, John Paul II said:

In the past I have been able to visit most of these countries, meeting the great African family of peoples. Where it has not yet been possible I hope some day to go. The question is often asked: why does the Pope visit Africa so often? One reason stands out: Africa is the continent of the family, and the future of the Church’s evangelizing mission passes through the family.

This “Christmas Across Africa” Exhibit reminds us that Africa is “the continent of the family,” where the Holy Family stands as a model for love and evangelization. In that same homily, Blessed John Paul II said, “In transmitting the Gospel spirit, Christian families have a perfect model in the Holy Family of Nazareth.” With his trust, patience, and courage, St. Joseph protected and provided for the Blessed Mother and the Son of God. The Blessed Mother humbly nurtured the Son of God and led Him to His true purpose in the Father. As a Son, Jesus brought Mary and Joseph together in love and carried them both to Eternal Life with the Father.

God's Gift to Humanity: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

The most thought-provoking reminder of the Lord's birth, about to take place, comes from the Nativity scene which has already been set up in many homes.

The simplicity of the Crib, however, is in strong contrast to that concept of Christmas which advertisements present insistently. Even the beautiful tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts between relatives and friends is under the influence of consumerism, which risks obscuring the true meaning of Christ's birth. Indeed, this tradition of exchanging gifts is to be understood in the perspective of God's gift to humanity in the person of Jesus, of which our gifts in this celebration are a reflection and expression. It is all the more important, for this reason, to favor actions that manifest solidarity and openness toward the poor and needy.

Looking at the Crib, our gaze is especially fixed on the Virgin and on Joseph, who await the birth of Jesus…

…In her, and in her most chaste spouse, we see realized the indispensable conditions to prepare ourselves for Jesus' birth. In the first place, interior silence and prayer, which allow one to contemplate the mystery that is commemorated. In the second place, the willingness to accept the will of God, in whatever way it is manifested.

The "yes" of Mary and Joseph is all-encompassing and involves their entire person:  spirit, soul and body.

May it be this way for each one of us! May Jesus, who in a few days will come, making our Nativity scenes radiant with joy, find a generous welcome in every Christian family, as was the case in Bethlehem on that holy night.

-Blessed John Paul II, Angelus December 22, 2002. 

The Third Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (Lk 2:1-7).

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven's glory was made manifest" (CCC, 525). The Savior, Son of Man was born to a Virgin, and all of creation rejoiced!

While meditating on the Nativity, say one Our Father, 10 Hail Mary’s, and a Glory Be.