Visio Divina – Christmas Eve December 24, 2025

Image:

The Holy Family in the Stable a tender oil painting of the Nativity:

Mary and Joseph gaze in quiet adoration at the Infant Jesus lying in a manger of straw. A soft, radiant glow emanates from the Child, illuminating their faces and filling the humble stable with warm light. A small fire burns nearby, casting gentle shadows, while animals rest peacefully in the background. The scene is wrapped in silence, reverence, and profound peace.

Scripture:“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)

Reflection for Service Members and Veterans:

Brothers and sisters in Christ, on this holy night, behold the mystery: the eternal Word of God, the Creator of the universe, becomes a helpless infant in a forgotten stable. No fanfare. No palace. No legions of angels visible—only a young mother, a faithful husband, and the quiet courage to say yes to God’s plan.

Many of us know what it is to stand watch in the silence of the night, far from home, in places that feel forgotten. We know vulnerability—carrying wounds seen and unseen, waiting in the dark for dawn. Tonight, the Light enters that very darkness.

Jesus comes not as a conquering general, but as a child—defenseless, yet invincible in love. He chooses poverty, humility, and dependence to show us the true power of God: tender mercy that conquers fear, sin, and death.

Look at Mary—serene in trust. Look at Joseph—guardian in the shadows. They teach us that faithfulness is not loud; it is steady. It is protecting what is most precious, even when the world offers no reward.

Tonight, the Savior is born for you. The One who will one day carry the Cross now rests in your heart’s manger. Let Him dwell there.

Visio Divina Exercise (5 minutes)

Find a quiet moment.

Gaze upon the image.

Invite the Holy Spirit.

—Silencio (Silence) – Breathe slowly. Let the noise of the day fall away. Be still before the mystery of Christmas.

—Vide (See) – Look deeply. What draws your eye? The glow from the Child? Mary’s gentle gaze? Joseph’s protective presence? The humble stable?

—Sentire (Feel) – What do you feel in your heart? Peace? Longing? Gratitude? Let the emotion rise without judgment.

—Loqui (Speak) – Speak to the Lord quietly. Thank Him for becoming small for you. Offer Him the burdens you carry. Ask for the grace to trust like Mary and protect like Joseph.

—Requiesce (Rest) – Simply rest in His presence. Let the light of the Infant warm your soul.

—Actio: Tonight, carry this peace into your Christmas celebrations.

Let one act of quiet kindness be your gift to the Newborn King.

Merry Christmas, warriors of faith.

Emmanuel—God is with us

From MAC Heath Garcia, MAC(SW/AW)

United States Navy Expeditionary Forces (ret.), Military Spiritual Director

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