The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Standing amidst the ancient stones of Bethlehem, I paused in a small café near Manger Square, my gaze drawn to the vast panorama of the Jordan Valley unfolding before me. An hour ago, I had knelt in the sacred Grotto of the Nativity, the cave where Jesus was born. Nat King Cole's melody still hummed in my ears, and the city's strangeness and familiarity intertwined in my heart. Turning around, I could see the ivory-colored steeple of the Basilica of the Nativity peeking through swaying tree branches.
Seeking solace in a cup of coffee, I found myself sharing a table with another man. He greeted me with warmth, his eyes twinkling with recognition as I stumbled through translations of my name of James. Santiago, Jaime, Jacob… "Yaqub!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands and gently shaking my shoulder. He shared how this name, my name, resonated through his own family – Yakub was his father’s name, his son’s name, and his grandson’s name – connecting generations of his life and my life like a chain of faith and identity.
Our encounter, though brief, left a lasting impression. In that simple moment, I felt embraced by my new friend and reminded of my true purpose. He showed me that I had been called by name, not just as a visitor to Bethlehem, but as a pilgrim on a journey of faith.
The miracle of Christ's birth wasn't confined to that sacred cave. It echoed in my own life, reflected in the love of my family, the laughter and confidence of friends, and the support of my community. Just as the Psalmist writes today: “God has blessed me [and you] in His mercy.”
As we enter this New Year, may we always hear God speaking to us through the Son, finding ourselves called by name as God’s sons and daughters in prayers of every Sunday Mass, in the comfort of the Sacraments and in the whisperings of our souls. Let us remember all these things, just as the Blessed Mother kept them in her own heart.
James Ramos is a Texas-based photo-journalist, designer and founder of The Lost Pilgrims Club. He loves a good soup, roller coasters, swimming and anything by Father Henri Nouwen. Say hi on Instagram and find more of his photography and writing.