Video Practice: Visio Divina with the Nativity

By Kathy Keary

It’s good to be with you again, as we continue our video series on contemplative prayer.

With Christmas fast approaching, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on that graced moment when the Christ child was born.

The Gospel of Luke reveals that Mary, a woman of contemplation, kept close all that transpired, reflecting in her heart on the sanctity of the moment. To our detriment, meditating on the significance of what is happening in our lives is often lost in our fast-paced world. It’s so easy to not be present to what truly matters.

Many artists throughout the ages have tried to capture the sacred event of the Nativity. I’ll share with you a picture that deeply moves me and invites you to reflect on how it touches your heart.

Look at the picture in detail. Pay particular attention to the facial expressions and body language of the characters, as well as the surroundings. I will also give you reflection questions you can ponder as you study the image. I would also suggest you do a little journaling as you ponder; journaling may encourage a deeper meditation. As you conclude your time of reflection, be sure to take a moment of silence to simply rest in God’s love.

I’ll leave you today with a contemplative poem that I wrote several years ago. It’s titled “Christ Within: A Christmas Prayer.”

Baby Jesus, journey to the depths of my heart.
In the stillness of my soul, never depart.
Enjoy soothing rest deep within.
May the soft lullaby of my spirit begin.

Bread of Life, bear your treasures of peace and love.
Nourish me with your presence, a gift from above.
Show me a bit of your kingdom this day.
Enlighten me to know you and cherish your way.

Allow me to be your instrument, drawing others to the light.
May they find you in the center and be transformed by your might
Prince of peace, let your charm shine brightly through,
So others will come to know the tranquility offered in you.

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For those striving to lead a contemplative life, you may enjoy our upcoming book study, where we will reflect on Christine Walter Painter’s book, Sacred Time: Embracing an Intentional Way Of Life. This begins on January 8, 2022,  and you can attend either on Saturday mornings or on Tuesday evenings as well as in-person or on zoom.

Register Here!

Click the button to register, or follow this link for more information.

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Thank you for joining us today. I look forward to seeing you next week when we continue our video series on contemplative prayer.

May the peace of Christ be with you as we celebrate Emmanuel, God with us.

[Kathy Keary, spiritual director, holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in theological studies, and completed Sophia Center’s Souljourners Program, an intense study of spirituality and spiritual direction. Kathy believes that the Divine is present and active in all of life and encourages others to be awakened to the God in all including the Divine within. She enjoys accompanying others on their journey to wholeness discovering the person they were created to be.]

“093 Birth of Jesus by K. Lotz 1899” by Andras Fulop is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

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