In 1809, a war-weary world anxiously watched the march of Napoleon Bonaparte. As at any time, babies were being born. Among them, the political leaders William E. Gladstone and Abraham Lincoln, Poet Alfred Lord Tennyson and composer Felix Mendelssohn. Yet, people's minds were occupied with battles, not babies. Exactly 190 years on, it is clear that these babies made a far greater contribution to history, not the battles. So it is with the birth of Jesus. The Bethlehem crowds had no inkling of the greatness in their midst. Napoleon again, summed up the admiration of the ages for Jesus Christ: "Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I myself have founded great empires .... But Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and to this very day, millions would die for Him. Jesus Christ was more than a man."

Every birth is shrouded in wonder, the mystery of unknown potential lies asleep in a parent's arms. Care is taken at the naming of a child. But the name of Jesus was not left to Joseph & Mary to choose. Jesus or Yeshua means "God is Salvation". His name describes the purpose for which He came û to be the Saviour of the world.

And all because Mary said "yes".

God of all possibilities, make us pregnant with your word, with your presence, that your will may be done.

(Comments to Tom at stmarysrcathlone@oceanfree.net )