We parents can spend much time gazing at our babies. We enjoy the way our infant's feet and toes curl up and expand. We count the number of toes and fingers. Each little movement brings fresh delight. Before we know it, we've spent a half-hour contemplating our baby. We can spend hours looking at our own babies, and never tire of it. This is because we love our baby so much.

Jesus took on flesh and became a human Baby (Jn 1:14). Now we can relate to Him in a way that we couldn't previously. As a parent delights in admiring each aspect of their newborn, so we can reflect on the many aspects of the incarnate Infant, Jesus.

This Christmas season, as you contemplate the Baby Jesus, reflect especially upon Jesus' beautiful feet (Is 52:7). He traveled dusty roads to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God (Mt 10:14). He let His feet be washed by the penitent woman (Lk 7:44-45), so we would know that love overcomes a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8). He allowed His feet to be pierced and nailed to a cross and bleed for our salvation. His feet pushed painfully upon the nails so He could breathe enough to speak His last words on the cross.

Choose the better portion this Christmas (Lk 10:42). Sit at the beautiful feet of Jesus and listen to His words (Lk 10:39).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2009

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