The third joyful mystery of the Rosary is the Nativity, the birth of Jesus in a humble cave in Bethlehem. This event, central to the Christian faith, is recounted in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. It celebrates the incarnation of the Son of God and marks a moment of great joy and hope for humanity.
At the time, the Emperor Augustus decreed a census of the entire Roman Empire, requiring everyone to go to their home town to be registered. Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth in Galilee, was descended from the line of David. So he set off with Mary, his pregnant fiancée, for Bethlehem, the town of David.
When they arrived, the town was crowded because of the census, and they couldn't find any room in the inns. Finally, they had to take shelter in a cave, traditionally used as a stable for animals. It was in this humble, rustic setting that Mary gave birth to her first-born son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, as there was no room for them in the inn.
That night, in the vicinity, shepherds were watching over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord enveloped them in light. They were greatly afraid, but the angel said to them: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: for to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign given to you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."
Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host joined the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the people he loves." The shepherds, filled with joy and wonder, rushed to Bethlehem and found Mary, Joseph and the newborn lying in the manger. When they saw him, they told what had been said to them about the child, and all who heard them were amazed at what the shepherds had told them. Mary, for her part, remembered all these events and pondered them in her heart.
The Nativity, celebrated on 25 December, is a festival of light and peace. It reminds believers that God chose to become man in the greatest humility, thus bringing divine love and redemption to humanity. This birth in a cave, far from comfort and luxury, is a powerful symbol of humility and simplicity. Jesus, the Saviour, begins his earthly life in modest conditions, showing that God's greatness often manifests itself in the most ordinary circumstances.
The Nativity invites us to reflect on the profound meaning of Christmas: God's unconditional love for humanity, the importance of humility, and the joy of welcoming Christ into our hearts. It's a call to peace, generosity and recognition of God's wonders in our daily lives.
