I was born into a culture that views vulnerability as a weakness. People tended to hide their vulnerabilities, striving instead to appear tough and strong. However, over time and through my experiences in a new culture, I have learned that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness. It is simply a part of being human. As human beings, we are vulnerable to many things—illness, pain, helplessness, loss of dignity, addiction, and much more.
Yet, there is a light within vulnerability. As Brené Brown puts it, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.” It is through our vulnerabilities that we come closer to one another in our shared brokenness. Vulnerability is the space where we let down our guards and open ourselves to love, trust, honesty, understanding, and empathy. It is the place where we take the risk of sharing our stories—stories that are often filled with emotion and frailty.
Today is Christmas Day, a day when we see the vulnerability of God made flesh, born as a baby in a manger.
Baby Jesus, in his vulnerability, needed the care and protection of Mary and Joseph. In relationships, we too can learn to embrace vulnerability. It can be healing to tell the other person when we feel vulnerable or hurt. Simply being honest and open can make all the difference: “Honey, I’m feeling vulnerable. I’m hurting, I’m tired.”
Baby Jesus also embodies a freedom from fear. It’s impossible to fear an infant because a baby is pure, innocent, and without malice or deceit. The image of baby Jesus reminds us to live in relationships without fear. If we do fear, we must name it, speak it out loud, and discuss it to ease its burden: “Honey, I fear I might not be able to keep this relationship strong. I need your help.”
Finally, Baby Jesus opens his arms to welcome life in all its fullness. In the manger, he often seems to open his arms as if to bless the world. At the same time, he embraces the human experience—its joys and pains, its ups and downs, its challenges and growth. In this, he models for us how to welcome each moment of life, no matter what it brings. “Honey, I want to be with you in all situations.”
This Christmas, let us remember that in our vulnerability, we are not weak; we are human. And it is in our openness, our honesty, and our willingness to be vulnerable that we find true connection and love.
Let us pray together:
Dear our Jesus, in the depths of vulnerability, We lift up those who wander aimlessly and feel lost in this vast world. Wrap them in Your loving embrace, guiding their steps towards solace and companionship.
Let them find refuge in the warmth of genuine connections, where their hearts can heal and their spirits can soar. Grant them the courage to reach out and embrace the love that surrounds them. May they discover that they are never alone, for Your presence is constant and steadfast. Amen. (1)
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
With love,
Little-pencil
1: Retrieved from 15 Compassionate Prayers for the Vulnerable – Strength in Prayer
Little-pencil 