One of the Christmas gifts I received is a sign that says: My kids are furry and all have four legs! While it obviously is meant to be funny, it also underscores that family life is defined in many different ways today. I was thinking when I first began preaching on this feast of the Holy Family many years ago, life was very different than we know it now. Today we have single parents, childless couples, adoptive parents, blended families, and traditional families , and yes even pets are considered family members by some.
In this context we pick up our first reading from the Book of Genesis. It talks about Abraham and Sara. Although Abraham already had a son by Haggar, Sara’s maid, he promises to send them a son of their own in their old age. God goes on to promise Abraham that his family members will be as numerous as the stars in the heaven. I would have to say that that was not your typical family back then either!
This Feast of the Holy Family today is a celebration that follows on Christmas Day because at Christmas we celebrate that God has chosen to make his dwelling place among us, wherever we live and in whatever kind of family we find ourselves . God lives among us but it is our challenge to discover him in the ups and downs of daily life.
That is where our Gospel reading takes us today. Jesus’ parents bring him to the temple for the customary presentation of the newborn to God. At that time two elderly people of faith are there: Simeon and Anna, both of whom have been awaiting the coming of the Messiah, praying in the Temple day and night. The young family comes forward, in all appearances like any other family; but both Simeon and Anna are able to recognize God in their midst. They thank God for opening their eyes and they bless the family as they begin their life together returning to Nazareth and their home.
That child has once again this year been presented to us during this Christmas Season; once again we realize that God has come to live among us; once again we realize that God has kept His promise to Abraham and all his descendant family; and that HE will keep His promises to us as well.
So wherever we find ourselves and with whomever we live, we can be assured that God is present there. And may that presence light up even the dark days of life.