By Sister Jeannine Marie, O.C.D.
“I will comfort them in their trials.”
Third Promise of the Sacred Heart
December finds us focusing on the wonderful miracle of birth. Saint John reminds us, “When a woman is in travail she has sorrow because her hour has come; but when she is delivered of the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a child is born into the world.” Jn. 16:21 A Child is born to us–that is the joyful Good News brought to us by the angels on Christmas day. But doesn’t it look as if there is always a little bad news mixed in with the good?
Sorrow and joy, they seem to have a mysterious connection in our lives. The seed dies; the plant bursts forth in bloom. The chill of winter enters; the warmth of spring brings harvests of plenty. Perhaps that is why the Sacred Heart promised us that He will comfort us in our trials. He knows our hearts and so He came to share this journey with us also.
A child is born is to us – Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung. They name him Wonder-Counselor, Prince of Peace. Yes, it is the time for children, for new life. A Child has come to us wrapped in swaddling clothes against the chill of the night. He will show us how to bear the trials of life that lead to the joys beyond imagining. This Christmas, when you open up your presents, don’t forget the reason for the season and be sure to open up to the Christmas Presence as well.
