In the Third Joyful Mystery, we contemplate through the heart of Mary the Mystery of our Lord’s Nativity when God visited His people. In this Mystery, we can contemplate the birth of Jesus through the hearts of Mary and Joseph, through the eyes of the shepherds, and the minds of the Magi. It is a beautiful Mystery that brought the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the wise and the simple all together.
For the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, the birth of Jesus was a profound Mystery they contemplated in their hearts from the moment of Mary’s conception and throughout Jesus’ life on earth. For the simple shepherds, who were among the people of Israel awaiting the arrival of the Messiah one day, they marveled at the angel’s message. They wondered if what was spoken to them by the angel was a fulfillment of what they had been waiting for. Then for the wise scholars of the East, the three Magi, they followed the true star, which led them all the way to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. In this Third Joyful Mystery, we are called to ponder the birth of our Lord with the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi.
Also, in this Mystery, as the angel proclaimed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, the Scripture tells us there were a multitude of heavenly hosts singing, “Glory to God in the Highest, and peace to His people on earth.” As we pray this Mystery, may we too be able to be people who give glory to God and extend peace to those whom we encounter every day.
Last but not least, as we contemplate the birth of Jesus in this Joyful Mystery, may we come to Jesus every day with the faith of Mary and Joseph, the joy and the wonder of the shepherds, and the homage and the adoration of the Magi. If we keep the spirit of this Joyful Mystery in our minds and hearts, we will be able to celebrate Christmas all year long. Especially in the daily Eucharist as we receive Him as Mary and Joseph received Him in their hearts and in their arms. We can wonder at His Presence in our lives like the wonder of the shepherds. We can proclaim Him the king of our hearts and of our lives and offer Him the gifts of our life like the Magi who came to proclaim Him king of kings and laid before Him the gifts they carried for Him as they followed His star. May we never cease to follow the Star of Bethlehem, now and all the way to Heaven.
Daughters of Mary of Nazareth is an Apostolic and Contemplative Community of Religious Women. A private association of the faithful in the Archdiocese of Boston founded in 2011 by Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart.
