One of my favorite Christmas images...
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| Artist unknown |
(My usual Monday Morning Offering will return on January 5. I wanted to post this prayer close to Christmas.)
Study the image above, a tender moment fathers know: cradling a child and wondering,"What will become of this little one, fast asleep in
my arms?"
Joseph holds a child not his own, not in the natural sense - yet this child is his to nurture, protect and care for...
Isn't all love like this? An invitation to shelter - but not confine; to hold - but not to own; to embrace - and yet set free the heart and soul of another?
Those we love and claim as ours are but '"on loan" to us - until the One who made us claims us all and frees us to live and be loved forever...
Let us pray...
Joseph,
you hold a son in your strong arms:
Mary's newborn boy child,
entrusted to your care...
But Mary's son is not your own
- and yet he's yours -
to nurture and protect
to shelter and to love...
As you hold this child so faithfully,
so carefully, so gently,
so may we hold each other
- and let ourselves be held...
Teach us, Joseph, teach us well,
the love that never fails
to free the hearts we hold so close
and cherish as our own...
Amen.
Joseph's Lullaby by Mercy Me
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Go to sleep my Son
This manger for your bed
You have a long road before
You rest your little head
Can you feel the weight of your glory?
Do you understand the price?
Or does the Father guard your heart for now
So you can sleep tonight?
Go to sleep my Son
Go and chase your dreams
This world can wait for one more moment
Go and sleep in peace
I believe the glory of Heaven
Is lying in my arms tonight
But Lord, I ask that he for just this moment
Simply be my child
Go to sleep my Son
Baby, close your eyes
Soon enough you'll save the day
But for now, dear Child of mine
Oh my Jesus, sleep tight
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