Today is the First Sunday of Advent. Over these special weeks preceding Christmas, we gather and give thanks. We pray and sing together, inviting the coming of the Lord into our lives, our homes, the Church and into the world which God loves so much that He sent His Beloved Son.
The best way to prepare for Christmas is to spend Advent with Mary. Let us reflect on the Annunciation and Mary's yes, her Fiat to God when the Angel appeared to her. She heard the Word of God and she believed. Mary was still. She pondered God's Word. She invites us to be still and to listen as God speaks to us during this beautiful season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus.
The heart of the message of Advent is to bring light into a world of darkness. The Advent candles we will light symbolize Jesus Christ, the True Light of the world. It is He who can dispel darkness of those who have lost hope. The Lord is always coming for those who seek Him! Let us seek Him through the eyes of Mary.
Luke 1:26-31 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
Luke 1:38 Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
O Mary, help us to ponder God's Word as you did. Help us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. Pray for all the babies and little ones for whom we pray. Protect them and cover them with your Motherly Mantle.
November 27, 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment