Advent Reflections for 2008

EWTN.com ^ | 2008 | EWTN

[Ciexyz]

The darkest day of the year is here, Dec. 21st, the time of the winter solstice, but the light of hope shines brighter than ever as we light the fourth Advent candle.

[Salvation]

	December 22 And Mary said, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord: my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed." (Luke 1:46) Reflection Mary says that she is lowly, and also that all will call her blessed. How can both of these things be true? Mary’s lowliness was transformed by her faith in God’s promise as given to her by the angel. Through this faith she became the most exalted of God’s servants. Do we let God work with and transform our lives? Or, do we use our own "lowliness" as an excuse for inaction? Christmas is a beautiful time for re-inviting God into our lives and letting His power transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Advent Action Make a "mini-retreat" to prepare for Christmas. Read the first and second chapters of Luke’s Gospel and spend some time reflecting on the story of Jesus’ birth and early life. Prayer O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of humankind; O bid our sad divisions cease  And be for us our King of Peace.

[Ciexyz]

The fourth candle is lit, how moving to see the lighting of it in church.

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Rejoice, rejoice, Ema-a-a-nuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

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Prayers offered up for those stranded during holiday travel in these zero temperatures across much of the country.

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In this time of business in preparation for the holiday, may we take time to ponder the holiness of this Advent season.

[Salvation]

	December 23 4th Sunday of Advent Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, He is coming, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi 3:1) Reflection For children, these last days of waiting are probably the hardest. The goal is in sight now, but it is still far enough away to make the wait seem endless. When we are grown, waiting for Christmas is not a major problem. Nevertheless, as the day approaches even grownups feel the urgency in the air. As we anticipate the celebration of Christmas, let us look around us. Are those around us anticipating joy and happiness or loneliness and depression? Prayer for the Advent Wreath Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of us all. O Lord, let your blessing come upon us as we light all candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise of salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in His holy name. Amen.   Advent Action Find someone who is not anticipating the holiday with joy and attempt to brighten their outlook. Prayer O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appears.

[Salvation]

	December 24 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for He has visited and brought redemption to His people. (Luke 1:68) Reflection As soon as Jesus was born, visitors began to come. First it was the shepherds. Then the wise men. Then Simeon and Anna. Then even the soldiers of Herod were sent to find Him. Together these visitors represent the people of every nation, coming by every possible path and conveyance to see Christ.  These words of Zechariah’s Canticle, cited above, remind us that it was impossible to contain God in heaven. Through Jesus, He "visited" and "brought redemption" to us. He continues through Jesus and through us to dwell in our world today. When people look at us, do they think of Jesus? Advent Action Thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus. Prayer Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. Lord, may we rejoice that Jesus Christ is born anew in our hearts and in our home. Amen.

[Ciexyz]

Did I miss the Advent calendar for 2009 - do not see a link to it in current Caucus posts.