The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity

by Mrs. Mary Catabui, O.P.

Mary was now in the ninth month of pregnancy and decided to go to Bethlehem with Joseph, following the decree of the Emperor Augustus to register under the House of David. She knew it would be a long trip but she wanted Joseph to be with her during her birth. By the time they got there the inns were filled. After three attempts, Joseph finally got lucky and was told by the owner that there was a tiny stable for the animals. He gave directions to Joseph and Mary and when they arrived there they settled down for the night. Under a quiet night and starlit sky Mary had her baby and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called:

WONDERFUL COUNCILOR ,

ALMIGHTY GOD,

EVERLASTING FATHER,

PRINCE OF PEACE.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” If you read the prophet Isaiah 9:5-20 (late eighth century B.C.E.) Jesus is born for us! He was poor, He was born in a stable, and He invited the shepherds out in the night to see what only shepherds saw that night. They saw Jesus, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! The angels sang, “Glory, in excelsis DEO.” In a few weeks the rich and learned Magi arrived. They had been traveling for months following “The Star.” When they arrived they presented Him with three gifts--Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. They bowed down and worshipped Him.

GO OUT INTO THE DEEP AND SPREAD THE JOYFUL MYSTERY-THE NATIVITY TO THE WORLD!