Obviously, Christ’s birth corresponds in one clear way to baptism again; but in the images that I have offered so far, we see that a time comes when we are no longer nourished passively within the Church. We must venture out into the world, still as children, perhaps, but with an eye toward mission. As the Father sent Christ into the world, so does Christ send us. This mission does not mean that we are separated from Christ, but it does mean fully accepting our responsibility for the Church, for spreading the faith and giving witness to God’s love.