Crib and Cross!

Monday, December 29, 2025

1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2: 22-35

Today’s Gospel highlights the interconnection between Jesus’ crib and cross.

In accordance with the dictates of the Lord, the Holy Family offers Jesus in the Temple. While Mary and Joseph might have believed that every misfortune was over for them, something awaited in the form of Simeon’s prediction. 

Simeon’s prediction reveals that birthing the Son of God brings with it a unique set of privileges and challenges. In other words, the faithfulness of the Holy Family does not exempt them from future trials that Simone predicts.

Simeon’s prophecy connects Bethlehem to Calvary. His words symbolize that the crib already reveals the shadow of the cross. Hence, the Holy Family understands that its struggle is not over yet. Saying ‘yes’ to God now presents them with a ‘sword.’

Simeon foretells that Jesus will be a sign contradicted by many. Being faithful to God’s will means confronting those who oppose it. Simeon’s words mean that in order to bring God’s will to fulfillment, Jesus will live through rejection, suffering, and sacrifice. 

Along with the Holy Family, we are invited to contemplate how the joy of the Christmas crib leads us to the cost of the cross of Christ. 

Let us pray that we may be earnest and faithful to what God has invited us to live out. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar