If we place our hands into the hands of the divine Child, if we say our Yes to His Follow Me, then we are His and the way is free for His divine Life to flow into us. This is the beginning of eternal life in us. It is not yet the beatific vision in the light of glory; it is still the darkness of faith; but it is no longer of this world, it means living in the kingdom of God.
This kingdom began on earth when the blessed Virgin spoke her “Be it unto me”, and she was its first handmaid. And all those who have confessed the Child by word and deed before and after His birth, St. Joseph, St. Elizabeth with her son, and all those surrounding the crib have entered the kingdom of God.
Saint Edith Stein
The Mystery of Christmas
Jacques Blanchard (French, 1600-1638)
Oil on canvas
Louvre Museum, originally in the church of Port-Royal, Paris
