Reflection: An angel with Down Syndrome at the Nativity

Today is the Feast Day of the Holy Family. As we ponder the Nativity, let us gaze at the Baby Jesus, the Light of the World. He came to us as a little baby. Let us enter the scene. Mary and Joseph are watching over the newborn King with awe and wonder. They beckon you to come. As you draw close to the Holy Family, the love of Jesus comes pouring into your heart. Kneel before Him and adore Him. As you gaze at the Baby Jesus, He gazes at you with great love.

Our dear prayer partner Liz sent this beautiful image of the Nativity scene. In this painting circa 1515, art historians and doctors say it depicts a child with Down Syndrome as the angel nearest to Mary, possibly the child of the person who commissioned the painting.  The painting is called "Adoration of the Christ Child" by Jan Joest of Kalkar in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The John 10:10 Prayer Ministry began through all the prayers offered for a beautiful baby Lily Grace with Down Syndrome. She is now a happy, healthy nine year old. She is a little angel who spreads love to everyone she meets.  She is an encourager, a consoler and a comforter. These are her gifts from God. Not long ago, when picking her up after school, a girl from her class said, "Bye, Lily." Lily looked at her and said, "Don't worry. Tomorrow will be a better day." I asked her what was wrong and Lily said the little girl had a tricky day. Lily was encouraging her classmate that tomorrow will be better. When Lily is having difficulty with something, her parents tell her she is having a tricky time and it always passes. On another day, Lily's little six year old sister Norah said incredulously, "My friend Patricia doesn't know what Down Syndrome is!" Norah said with confidence, "I told Patricia that people who have Down Syndrome are just like everyone else. Sometimes it takes them a little longer to learn; sometimes it can be a little tricky, but they can learn, just like we can." These two little sisters, Lily and Norah, are ambassadors of love, who teach us all how to love.

O Holy Family, as we gaze at you, we give you our hearts. Joseph and Mary, help us to always keep our eyes fixed on the Baby. Jesus. let us look at the angels surrounding You, especially the little angel with Down Syndrome. Let us bow in adoration with the love and pure heart of this special little angel.  

O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.