"...One of my favorite Christmas Day traditions is watching 'The Nativity Story' movie. After listening to the Gospel readings through Advent, visualizing the story only increases my awe and wonder. The more I reflect, the more I am struck by how the work of the pro-life community in the archdiocese is inspired by each event of the Nativity story.
The story begins when an angel visits Mary, a young virgin, and with her 'yes' to God’s invitation, the Holy Spirit comes upon her and the Son of God is conceived...
Mary faces many challenges with her unexpected pregnancy — the hardship of being poor, judgment from her community and uncertainty whether Joseph, her betrothed, would support her or leave her. Many in our community have experienced or known a loved one or someone who is facing this challenging situation in fear or anxiety.
... Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth for support and comfort. Our Gabriel Project ministry trains 'angel' volunteers to walk alongside pregnant women, offering friendship and guidance. Our Walking With Moms in Need initiative prepares parishes to be places of love and support. Some parishes offer the new Embrace Grace support group for single, pregnant women so that they can be in a community that knows God’s love for them and their babies...
Mary gives birth to an infant who was born to redeem the world. Every child is a gift, created in the image and likeness of God...
This new year, may we all be deeply inspired by the Nativity story and all we 'have seen and heard.'"
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