footprints
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him Who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation.” —Isaiah 52:7
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 baby and never tire of it, because we love our baby so much.
Jesus took on flesh and became a Baby Boy (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).
Prayer: Jesus, give me such a love for You that I never tire of meditating on You. Thank You for coming to earth to save us all.
Promise: “Any who did accept Him He empowered to become children of God.” —Jn 1:12
Praise: “Glory to God in high heaven, peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests” (Lk 2:14).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May 15, 2024"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.