And so we arrive at the eve of Christmas!
It is a lovely early winter day, cool and breezy with intermittent sun and cloud. Yesterday we had flurries and showers. The wind is literally shrieking and howling.
We have not seen the deer in a few days but the large mixed flock of songbirds regularly empties our small feeder. I can no longer refill the feeder so Jennie trudges out and does it. It is a pleasure to watch the birds buzz through the feed.
Today we are reminded that Mary and Joseph had to take shelter in a livestock shed. Nights would have been cold and they could not have been comfortable. We are also reminded that the animal inhabitants of the shed were witness to Mary’s labour and Jesus’ birth.
Saints Francis and Clair attempted to draw our attention to the exalted place of those animals, as does the classic Christmas text of O magnum mysterium.
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new born Lord, lying in a manger! O blessed virgin, whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia!
In this historical moment of homelessness and desperation for both humans and the rest of Earth’s animals, let us remember that the Christmas story urges us to protect, uplift, and nurture both.
For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish for you a day of safety, joy, love, and peace. May your day be filled with play, feasting, and happiness.
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