By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
The story of the infant Jesus reveals how heaven came to earth. Mary’s yes to the Archangel Gabriel made the Incarnation of Jesus possible. God came to live among us, and our acceptance of this profound truth helps us respond to his presence. The material world profits as we prepare for Christmas with our purchases and busy schedules. The spiritual world benefits when we share God’s love with others here on earth.
My husband, Dick, and I have crafted homemade Christmas ornaments for many years to give to our loved ones. In each ornament, there is a story to remind us what was happening in our lives at the time they were made. Every time I unpack our decorations, I am flooded with memories of people who made Christmas special over the years. My maternal grandmother gifted us with a beautiful crèche for a wedding gift 48 years ago. I think of her each time it is placed in our home for the season. Her influence of faith in my life cannot be overstated, and all her gifts remain meaningful and lasting.
This year, as I opened the crèche from Grandma, I was inspired to look for a nativity set to gift to each of our grandchildren. I found what I was looking for, and it combined both my love of Jesus and my desire to create treasures! The wooden nativity set was an unfinished kit that came alive with each stroke of my paintbrush. The little wooden peg dolls are perfect for tiny hands to play with, and this gift can be enjoyed for many Christmases to come.
In 2009, I refurbished the figurines for the nativity set at my parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Vincennes. It took a week to complete the project. The time spent in church creating fresh faces for these important witnesses of salvation history made that Christmas very special to me. Repairing the chipped paint and faded colors provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of each character in the nativity scene. I had the same experience as I painted the figures for my grandchildren’s crèche. No one will remember who repainted the statues at Sacred Heart. Hopefully my grandchildren and their children will think of my love for them when they display their nativity sets.
How do you reflect on the events of the Christmas narrative? Which role(s) do you most relate to: the shepherds, the innkeeper, the three Wise Men, the angels, or the Holy Family and the weariness they must have felt in their journey? The birth of baby Jesus is our story to pass on to those we love! The Incarnation is the reason we have hope in eternal life!
When sharing faith and memories of those who have gone before us, we provide a valuable gift to future generations. The foundation of strong faith derived from a personal relationship with Jesus is ongoing. Share your stories with great intention because the world needs reminders of God’s love and our witness of faith.
A New Year is coming, and we look forward to new beginnings. We may also face challenges that could test the most faithful of people. Do not be afraid! Our Savior has been born! God’s never-ending love is a sign for each one of us! There could be no greater gift! Merry Christmas and blessings in the New Year to all of you! Amen!