Dear Readers,
Gather ’round and settle in, because today I’ve got a story for you that is bound to bring a spark to your spirit and a smile to your face. But before we dive in, let me just say: don’t you dare rush to the end. The journey is as important as the destination, as any good pilgrim will tell you. Now, onto this real-life riddle shared with me by an acquaintance who values their privacy, thus I’ll be keeping their identity under wraps. But their story, oh, it’s one for the ages!
There was a young woman, pure and full of grace, who found herself visited by an angel bearing the most astounding news: she would give birth to a son. Not just any son, but one who would change the world. This news was as much a shock to her as it would be to you or me, for she was a virgin. Imagine the courage, the faith it took to accept such an announcement. If this doesn’t give you goosebumps, I don’t know what will.
As the angel foretold, her time came, and she labored in a humble stable. Not a palace, not a grand home, but a modest stable among the animals. It’s a striking reminder from the Good Lord Himself on the value of humility. Now, I know many of us pride ourselves on our roots and the values we’ve upheld over the years, but this story calls us to admire the purest form of simplicity and faith.
On that sacred night, as she bore her son, shepherds—yes, simple, hardworking shepherds—were the first to be informed of this miraculous birth. The angels themselves appeared to the shepherds, singing glory to God and instructing them to visit the newborn. And visit they did, filled with awe and wonder, their humble hearts rejoicing to be the first witnesses. Think about it, that God Almighty chose these modest guardians of livestock to herald the arrival of such a divine presence!
Now you may be thinking, “Mary, why such a simple beginning for someone destined for greatness?” Well, dear reader, that’s where the heart of our lesson lies. In a world obsessed with grandeur and material wealth, this story teaches us that true greatness is birthed in humility, purity, and faith. Remember, it’s not where you start but how you carry yourself through life that matters. This precious child, born in a manger, would grow up under the watchful eyes of His parents and God, eventually fulfilling a monumental purpose. Humble beginnings, divine purpose—these are stitches in the same holy tapestry.
As He grew, this child’s wisdom became evident at a young age. He conversed with teachers and scholars, leaving them astounded. His life, his teachings, and even his sacrifices became the bedrock of our faith, our community, and our very way of life. And yet, His beginning was one of simplicity and lowliness, a testament to God’s values. In a world that sometimes seems to have lost its way, this story pulls us back to our foundations, reminding us of what truly matters.
Why, you might ask, are tales such as these still relevant? Well, aside from the obvious spiritual richness, they serve as a moral compass, guiding us in our daily walk with God. They hold lessons as timeless as the sun and as necessary as the rain. If this story doesn’t make you appreciate the value of faith and the power of humble beginnings, then maybe you need to linger a bit more in prayer and reflection.
Our lives today might seem worlds apart from those ancient times, but the essence of humanity and Divinity remains unchanged. Each time we gather for Sunday service, each prayer whispered in the dark of the night, each act of charity, and each fight for justice is inspired by the teachings of this child born in a manger. We need these reminders to stay grounded, to keep our eyes and hearts fixed on what’s truly important.
So let’s not forget this riddle and the sacred story it tells. It’s a powerful reminder to cherish our roots, uphold our values, and strive for spiritual richness over material wealth. Our life’s work isn’t measured by the splendor we accumulate but by the faith, humility, and love we share with the world.
For those of you who’ve patiently followed along, you’ve now grasped the depth and warmth of this sacred story. The child born to a virgin in that humble stable, first visited by shepherds, is none other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as told in Luke 2:7-16. May we all strive to emulate His humility and divinity in our own lives.
For now, I’ll leave you with this reflection: every small act of kindness, every moment of humility, contributes to the divine purpose we are all called to fulfill. Keep faith, stay humble, and remember the powerful beginnings of our Savior.
God bless you all,
Mary
