What is the Lord trying to tell us by choosing not to be born in a royal palace, surrounded by material riches, but in a poor grotto in Bethlehem?
The words of Jesus come to mind: “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36).
The first to receive the Good News proclaimed by the angels were simple shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8–14).
It is a different kingdom from the kingdoms of this world that Satan offered Jesus (cf. Mt 4:8–9).
No one is excluded from this Kingdom; all that is required is to accept the message of faith.
It is not the Kingdom of the rich or the learned; it is not the Kingdom of the rulers of this world; it is not a Kingdom of vanities and human honors.
To be a citizen of this empire, you don’t have to pretend to be something you’re not.
The Sovereign of this Kingdom serves His own and washes their feet (cf. Jn 13:2–5).
It is a Kingdom of love and truth. It is an eternal Kingdom!
Its Queen is a mother full of love.
Who is greatest in the Kingdom of God’s children? The one who loves the most! (cf. Mk 9:34–37).
Who excludes himself from this Kingdom? The one who refuses to love.
The Child of Bethlehem fills people with good things because He came for them.
He does not need external splendor. He does not need material riches.
He seeks the hearts of men and offers them His own.
It’s that simple—simple as the grotto in Bethlehem. Nothing else is needed!
Meditation on the O antiphon of December 22:
