The rich images in today’s readings are simply wonderful for these dreary and cold winter days. Magnificent stars and Celestial light: strange and wonderful gifts from all the known world are brought to the Christ Child. And there’s the beautiful message, “Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come!” Jesus, our Light has come for Jerusalem, for the Gentiles and for all the world. Jesus, the Christ, has been born for all: neighbor or foreigner, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, refugee or penitent persecutor, thief or jailer, woman, man or child.

As I was thinking about this, I remembered that when I was a younger adult, I focused far more about what God could give to me than what I could give to God. I thought that I knew about sacrifices, and I tried to offer a good life. I did some good things. But at the same time I came to realize how little I had to offer to God. Finally, I began to think about how faithful and good God has been to me.

A few years ago, Dan Schutte wrote a song that addresses this universal question; how can I repay God for all He has done for me? It’s partially based on Psalm 116 and is found on the album “God’s Holy Gifts.” It’s a question that every person of prayer asks.

Here are the words of the song. Let’s think about them in light of today’s readings: The song begins with the refrain; “How can I repay the kindness of the Lord? What song can I sing to honor the name of God?” The verses continue…When the darkness closes round me, and I long to see your morning, then you lean your face beside me and whisper my name”…it continues…”As I walk among the living, I depend upon your kindness to uphold my every footstep and dry every tear.” And the final verse…”As I stand before the people, I will raise the cup of gladness, and I vow to love and serve you the rest of my days.” Beautiful, isn’t it?

We need to think about what we can give the Holy Child. Just possibly, our hearts, our gratitude, and our love and service to His people might be the best…

Dorothy A. Hathway, CSJA