Journal of Sacred Work

Today's meditation was contributed by Cathy Self, Senior Vice President at the Baptist Healing Trust.

     Today I held for the first time my new grandson William on his first day in this world (yes, that's him in the picture held by his grandfather). Yet in the midst of that unspeakable joy, news came to me of the death of my close friend's father. Christmas Present seems to bring our greatest joys and sometimes our deepest fears together into the one time and space we only and always have to experience. The past is gone and the future may never be, but today, this present moment, this precious present, this Christmas we have and is ours to embrace.

     As I watched little William cradled securely in the hands of his "Papa" I couldn't help but wonder what another Papa felt so many years ago. It is the story many of us have known and heard for years. It is the story of Love come down to us at Christmas time. I can think of no story more appropriate for this Christmas day than the story told by Saint Luke 2,000 years ago:

 "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 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 family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 'This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'

 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 
   'Glory to God in the highest,
         And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"

This is our prayer and hope for you, dear caregivers – may you know and feel Love's peace and presence. Love came down at Christmas time…may we carry it us with us as the most precious present of all.