‘Mary’s Dream’ teaches us the true meaning of Jesus’ birthday

One of my favorite Christmas stories is entitled “Mary’s Dream” by an unknown author. I have used this narrative in previous columns but like every good story, it deserves to be told over and over.

In the midst of this hectic time of the year n parties to attend, last minute shopping to do, presents to wrap, concerts and pageants to attend, family gatherings to prepare for, etc. n it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. Pass this on to your family and friends so they can appreciate the “politically correct” meaning of Christmas for Christians.

Mary speaks. “I had a dream, Joseph. I do not understand it, not really, but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people have been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house and bought new clothes. They had been shopping often and bought elaborate gifts.

“It was peculiar, though, because the presents were not for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree n yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They decorated the tree also. It was full of glowing balls, lights and sparkling ornaments.

“A figure was on the top of the tree. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful! Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, not to our Son. I do not think they even knew him. They never mentioned his name. Doesn’t it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone’s birthday if they do not know him?

“I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration he would have been intruding. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone so full of cheer, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus n not to be wanted at his own birthday celebration. I am glad it was only a dream. How terrible would it be, Joseph, if it had been real.”

What about our Christmas celebrations? Do we include “the Reason for the Season” n Jesus? Are we repeating the first Christmas story all over by not making room in our hearts for Jesus to be born?

In Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago, many family gatherings took place because of the census. People were partying and enjoying each other’s company. When the Son of God was born into our world, only a few shepherds were aware of this tremendous event. Let us make sure we do not make that same mistake.

The following prayer is my Christmas prayer for you. It was written by Sr. Pat Bergen, CSJ.

May the Angel of Annunciation awaken in you God’s profound heartfelt love.

May your dreams lead you to profound reverence as you bow before the Divine born in the stable of every heart.

May Mary guide you in birthing the Holy One in your life and in birthing love in others.

May Joseph engage you in deeper questioning and listening and give you courage to risk the next step.

May your life become a luminous presence leading others to the place in their hearts and in the world where Christ is always being born anew.

May you have the spirit of Christmas, which is peace; the joy of Christmas, which is hope; and the heart of Christmas, which is love.

May these blessings be yours this Christmas and always.