The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Our Lord
Reflections for each Hail, Mary:
- Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to comply with the decree of Caesar Augustus.
- The hour for Mary to give birth is near, but there is no room in the inn.
- In the stillness of the night, the Savior is born in a cave, Mary remaining a Virgin.
- She wraps Him in swaddling clothes and lays Him in a manger.
- In unspeakable joy Mary gathers to her bosom the Flower of her virginity.
- Jesus enters the world in poverty to teach the lesson of detachment from earthly things.
- The angel announces to the shepherds: "Today there is born to you in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord."
- The angelic chorus sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth."
- The shepherds come to the stable to pay homage to the Infant Jesus.
- The Magi come to adore the Holy Child and offer Him gifts.
Glory be...
O, my Jesus...
The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple
Reflections for each Hail, Mary:
- Observing the law of Moses they take Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord.
- According to the Law the firstborn male child of every family should be consecrated to the Lord.
- Mary offers her Son to the Father, then ransoms Him back at the price paid by the poor.
- Jesus is not subject to the law of Moses, yet to teach obedience, submits to it.
- Mary is not subject to the law of purification, yet in humility she submits to it.
- God had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah.
- Recognizing the Child, he prays: "Now you can dismiss your servant in peace. You have fulfilled your word."
- "This Child is destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed."
- And to Mary Simeon reveals: "And your own soul a sword shall pierce."
- After they fulfill all the Law requires they return to Nazareth.
Glory be...
O, my Jesus...