It is in True Love that we see the weaving of a relationship as well as relationships between friend groups and in the family. In a relationship where two people truly love each other the two people come together and create one. They create a new way of existence, but they also create a weaving ~ a tapestry of love weaving together relationships that create a support network for them as well as the family they create together.

True friends in this case, are supportive of the couple being together and in love with each other. They support the two in the relationship. We were reminded of this as we have been reading The Miracle of the Christmas Child. Within the story of The Miracle of the Christmas Child, we see the love of the Holy Family… the love of Mary and Joseph, as well as the love of the Christ Child spreads to all who know them and know their relationship with each other. although there are moments where others do not have their best intentions in heart, Mary and Joseph believe in each other and love each other, as well as the Christ Child. This alone unites them but also draws others to them through the grace present that they have for each other. While in some cases, like jealousy and lack of true care some people are repelled by their love that they have to each other it is because the others fail to see the good. There hearts have become hardened because of the hardness of life or a cancelling of their own dreams and what they think is a cancelling of God’s dream for their life. However, love and the good always prevails. Especially when people are truly in love with each other! And truly love and care about each other! It is in these moments that the weaving of the tapestry of the relationship as well as the relationships around them flourish in love and grow.

Those that are closest to the couple / The Holy Family, radiate that love and support back to them. Even in the moments where the couple may not have everything they need, they have the love and support of those closest to them. In the instance where people do not truly love each other - they cause greater division between family and those who truly care about the other - the beloved. In a case where true love isn’t present - relationships are destroyed by the other. This is different than the couple putting boundaries around the other friendships, relationships etc that are present in their life. Everyone that is in a relationship based on true love creates boundaries as they grow closer together and continue to love each other and support each other and create their new way forward… however those boundaries are usually honored and respected by their friends and family and their friends and family have understanding with the couple as they grow closer together, enter into marriage and have a family together (as well as fulfilling their other callings and obligations in life). Because of this, the other friendships and relationships support the couple, the family and their life together.

The miracle of the Christ child is the overflowing love that fills the lives of Mary and Joseph, as well as the Holy Child. That love then overflows to others and unites. It creates peace and harmony and support. Even in the moments where life is not perfect. Even in the moments where everything is not figured out.

So, the questions for you in your own relationship and relationships with others is:

How supportive are others of you and if you truly love someone else, your relationship with them?

How supportive are you of others?

How true is your love and is it true love?

What does true love really look like in your life?

Where do you see a weaving of relationships and understanding?

Where do you feel or see that others are jealous or trying to create more conflict vs. peace in the relationship?

Where are you and the person you are in love with / in a truly loving relationship with - united? How is God asking for that unity to grow deeper in love?

Where is love radiating out from your relationship? How is that touching the lives of others? Is it touching others in a positive or a negative way?

(Based on The Miracle of the Christmas Child by Penelope J Stokesn)

With Analysis, Insight, Writing and Perspective by Mary E. Grenchus

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