Christmas and the Holy Family
As we approach Christmas, we turn our attention to the holy family.
Mary and Joseph experienced problems as all couples do. We know that their marriage almost didn’t happen because Mary told Joseph she was expecting a child. After God’s intervention in a dream to Joseph, they did marry and then we hear little else about their relationship.
However we can imagine that like any marriage, there may have been times when Mary and Joseph had disagreements and faced issues as parents as they raised their child Jesus.
They probably would have dealt with those issues far more charitably than many of us would, but still, no family is completely free of difficulties.
It is in the family that we learn the skills of living together. We first learn that we are loved, understood, wanted and cared for, and in most cases it’s in the family we are formed to be who we are.
So this Christmas we remember all families
It’s sad that research has found that the Christmas period is a time of the year for a spike in anxiety, depression, social isolation, as well financial and time stress.
Work-life balance, increased indulgence in food, drugs, alcohol and gambling. Differing expectations, beliefs or values around Christmas are factors contributing to family stresses over the holiday period.
Like Mary and Joseph who endured stress finding shelter for the birth of their son Jesus, this Christmas we remember all families experiencing stress, sorrow and hardship.
Oh come Emmanuel
We pause and reflect on our own family; we thank God for the blessing, and we pray for the healing of our families’ wounds and brokenness
Oh come Emmanuel
For all families in the world. We recognise the differences that culture and beliefs bring, and we celebrate the similarities that love and understanding bring.
Oh come Emmanuel
From the Majellan Family to your family: We wish you a blessed, safe and peace filled Christmas and new year as we pray ,
Oh,come Emmanuel Christ the Savior is born. He is “God Among Us” – Emmanuel
The musical accompaniment in this episode is a modern take on a Christmas classic by our mission partner Niamh O’Neill and performed by the Redemptorists Youth Oceania, in New Zealand. To hear the song in its entirety and view our Christmas Card video go to the Majellan YouTube Chanel
Host: David Ahern
Produced by Majellan.media
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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/figuring-out-families/message