The enduring Nativity narratives
It never ceases to amaze me how our lives mirror the Gospel narratives and how the Gospel narratives mirror our lives. It is the mystery of Lectio Divina, the ingenious method of reading and interpreting the biblical narratives as practiced by the Benedictines.
We had such an experience this Friday. Last Monday we reflected on the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth and yesterday we made our own journey to North of London to visit a close friend, from our teenage years, who now resides here in England with her husband. In our own way, guided by our son-in-law, we went with haste to catch the first train and then through the complex maze of the tunnels of the underground to find the trains to take us north.
On arrival we experienced our own encounter with the Holy Spirit in the endearing nature of true friendships. Even though we had not seen each other for some time, we immediately gave tight hugs and struck up a heart warming conversation. Our first stop was a visit to St Albans Cathedral, the oldest place of continuous Christian worship and pilgrimage in Britain.
Alban was a citizen of the Roman city of Verulamium. He became a Christian after sheltering a priest who was fleeing persecution. He was put to death around 300AD for refusing to renounce his new faith. Alban was buried on the hillside and a Benedictine monastery was built over his tomb in 793. The present cathedral started in 1080 was built around the monastery. His shrine can be seen within the cathedral.
The visit which included a pub lunch and a visit to their home reminded me of Mary’s visit. That visit must have been a very affectionate encounter that mirrors all visits of true friendships. And walking to the historic cathedral and shrine and seeing the images of the nativity reinforced the enduring nature of the nativity narratives.
Later that evening, shrouded in mist and quickening darkness, we arrived back home to the warm embrace of our two young granddaughters. Their innocence reminded me that Our Lord Jesus also came to us as a vulnerable infant.
The visit reinforced the enduring nature of the Gospel narrative—its power to inspire and transform across centuries and continents. Just as Alban found the courage to embrace faith and sacrifice his life for Christ, the Nativity story continues to call us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and presence. It inspired me to reflect on how these narratives transcend time, weaving their way into our lives and encounters, offering guidance, purpose, and hope.
The same Gospel that emboldened Alban to stand firm in his faith also moves us today to recognize Christ in the midst of our friendships, our journeys, and our quiet moments of prayer. As we welcome the Christ Child, let us be inspired anew by these stories that unite us with those who have gone before and those yet to come, forming an unbroken chain of faith, courage, and love.