WHEN JESUS WAS BORN
Fr. Edward Garesché, S.J.
Shepherds are simple, lowly folk. They are poor, and used to weary toil. Contented and peaceful in their lives, they seem to borrow some of the unconscious wisdom of the flocks and herds they tend. In long, quiet hours, in the open field, watching the changing, beautiful clouds by day and by night the mysterious fires of the stars, they can draw near to God, and keep far from the distractions and sinfulness of the world.
It is to these representatives of the pious innocent poor, that God sends His Heavenly ambassadors to announce the coming of His Divine Son, made man, the Lamb of God to be offered for the salvation of the world. How beautiful is the Gospel story!
“And there were in the same country shepherds, watching and keeping the night watches over their flock. And behold an Angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear. And the Angel said to them: Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people.”
These earnest, kindly men, strong and simple of soul, were not incredulous to the Heavenly vision. They believed, and their first loving impulse was to hasten and search out and adore the new-born Savior. Again the holy Gospels tell us, in brief and vivid words, how eagerly they hurried to Bethlehem.
“And it came to pass, after the Angels departed from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath showed to us. And they came with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger.”
Filled with loving joy, these pious shepherds lost no time in spreading far and wide the good news of the Savior’s birth. They spoke of it to the poor, the suffering, men who were like themselves, simple and poor of heart. “And all that heard wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.”
So the first glad Christmas tidings, the good news of the Infant Jesus’ birth, was first told to the poor. But not alone to the poor in this world’s goods, but to the poor in spirit, those who lived not for this earth but for Heaven, was the happy message given. It is St. Matthew who informs us how wise men from the East received, not by the Angels but by a star, the knowledge of Jesus’ birth, and hastened to adore Him.
“When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of King Herod, behold there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him.”
“And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary, His Mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
Thus our Lord, who was to say in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” showed even as a little Child how dearly He loves the poor. And in His own Presentation in the Temple, He willed that, with His Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, He Himself should likewise be numbered with the poor.
“They carried Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; and to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
Now the offering of two turtledoves or pigeons was the offering of the poor, for by the same law those who were rich enough to do so were bid to offer a yearling lamb and a dove or pigeon. Thus it was the offering of the poor that Christ chose for His Blessed Mother.
Christmas comes, this year, to a world prostrated with sorrow, suffering from want in the midst of plenty, plagued with unrest. It reminds us that to love the poor, to share with the poor, to be unselfish and unworldly, is the teaching of Christ.
As our Holy Father the Pope has told us, it is human selfishness and the spirit of Christian love and charity is the remedy for the sickened world. Let us pray with the shepherds and the magi, with Mary and Joseph at the manger, that the whole earth may be saved by the love which the Christ Child teaches us for lowliness and the lowly and the poor in spirit. ✝
Some Simple Applications:
1. Simplicity Creates a Welcoming for God
Lesson: A quieter, simpler life makes it easier to hear God’s voice.
The shepherds were not busy with status, noise, or ambition. Their work was humble and repetitive, yet it placed them outdoors, attentive, watchful, and reflective. Because of this simplicity, they were ready when God spoke.
Everyday application:
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Limit unnecessary distractions (constant media, hurry, excess).
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Embrace ordinary routines—work, chores, care of others—as places of prayer.
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Allow moments of silence: early mornings, evening candlelight, walks, or time near the fire.
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Trust that holiness grows in faithfulness to small duties.
2. God Chooses the Humble, Not the Impressive
Lesson: God delights in hearts that are lowly, not self-important.
The first announcement of Christ’s birth was not made to kings or scholars but to poor shepherds. This teaches us that God looks at the heart, not worldly rank.
Everyday application:
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Do not despise small roles, hidden service, or unseen sacrifices.
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Value humility over recognition.
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Teach children that worth does not come from achievement but from love and faithfulness.
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Resist comparing your life to others’.
3. Respond Promptly When God Invites
Lesson: When grace comes, we should respond quickly and generously.
The shepherds did not debate, delay, or demand proof. They believed—and went “with haste” to Bethlehem.
Everyday application:
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Act promptly on good inspirations: prayer, reconciliation, charity.
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Do not overthink small acts of goodness—just do them.
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Encourage a spirit of readiness rather than procrastination in spiritual life.
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Trust that obedience brings clarity.
4. True Joy Is Found in Adoration, Not Possession
Lesson: Joy flows from worship and love, not from having more.
The shepherds and Magi both found fulfillment not in gain, but in kneeling before Christ. Even the wealthy Magi came not to take, but to give.
Everyday application:
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Begin the day by offering it to God.
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Keep Christ at the center of celebrations, not excess or perfection.
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Teach children gratitude rather than entitlement.
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Give generously—time, kindness, resources—without expecting return.
5. Share Good News with the Lowly First
Lesson: Faith is meant to be shared, especially with those who suffer.
The shepherds told the poor and the simple—those like themselves—about Christ. Their joy naturally overflowed into witness.
Everyday application:
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Speak hope to the discouraged and overlooked.
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Share faith naturally, through kindness and example.
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Be attentive to neighbors, elderly, lonely, or struggling families.
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Let joy in Christ show through peace, patience, and charity.
6. Poverty of Spirit Is a Path to Freedom
Lesson: Being “poor in spirit” means not clinging to worldly security.
Christ Himself was born poor, lived poor, and even accepted the poor man’s offering at His Presentation. This teaches detachment and trust.
Everyday application:
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Hold possessions lightly.
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Choose generosity over accumulation.
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Accept life’s limitations with trust rather than resentment.
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Practice contentment in what God provides.
7. Love of the Poor Heals the World
Lesson: The remedy for unrest and sorrow is charity, not selfishness.
The article connects Christ’s birth directly to the healing of a troubled world. Love, humility, and self-giving are presented as the true answer to social unrest.
Everyday application:
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Make charity a family habit, not an occasional act.
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Teach children to notice needs and respond.
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Pray for the suffering of the world—not abstractly, but personally.
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Let your home be a place of welcome, peace, and mercy.
8. Christmas Is a School of the Heart
Lesson: Christmas teaches us how to live all year long.
The manger reveals what God values: humility, obedience, love, simplicity, and trust.
Everyday application:
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Carry the spirit of Christmas into ordinary days.
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Return often to the image of the manger in prayer.
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Let your home reflect warmth, order, and reverence.
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Choose love over haste, peace over noise, service over self.
Be attentive to the sacrifices your husband makes for the family. Each day he battles the world, the flesh and the devil out in the workforce for you. Don’t let that go unnoticed. Thank him often! Appreciate him. -Finer Femininity
Whole set of 7 Catholic Hearth Stories here.
We often don’t realize the impact of those lessons, those Catholic lessons, that are taught each day to our children. It is so much worth the effort! The signs of the cross, kneeling to say prayers, dipping fingers in holy water, laying fresh flowers at the statue of Our Lady, etc., etc. These are gold nuggets that will live on in your children’s lives. This is building Catholic Culture!
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A very blest 6th day of Christmas! 🎄😇
Thank you!