Ijournal entry 120516 # 50. Advent, week II. December, Month of The Divine Infancy of Jesus. Aphorism by Beston Jack Abrams. Quotes by Edwards Hays, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and by Anonymous. "The Advent Virus", by Anonymous. "Advent Meditations for The Month of December", from A Catholic Moment. Advent Retreat - Father Mark Robson from St. Augustine seminary provided the parish with a 3-day reflection on the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer we pray during the season of Advent.
"Advent is a wonderful time to celebrate the reconciling love and the healing graces our Lord offers us. Like all religious experience, it takes preparation" Creighton Online Ministries
"December, the month of Divine Infancy, celebrates the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. The pairing of words in this title is a reflection of the mystery of Jesus' nature. We each are one person with one nature. However, Jesus is one person with two natures. He is fully God and fully man, that is, He is 100% God and %100 man, not 50/50, or any other percentage. Jesus' Incarnation is one of the most important moments in history and its memorial is prepared for in the liturgical season of Advent, a four week anticipation".
Info from this site: http://www.rosarymart.com/blog/december-popular-feast-days/
"Prayer to the Infant Jesus For the Month of December: Come to me, O Divine Savior, vouchsafe to be born in my heart. Grant that, taught by Thine example, and assisted by Thy grace, I may be poor in spirit and humble of heart. Keep me chaste and obedient. I wish to live but for Thee, and to do all things purely for love of Thee. O Mary, my Advocate and Mother, obtain by thy prayers forgiveness of my past offenses and holy perseverance unto death. St. Joseph, do thou also pray for me, that I may become daily more pleasing to Jesus. Amen". By Maria Grow
Info from this site: http://www.rosarymart.com/blog/december-popular-feast-days/
"Prayer to the Infant Jesus For the Month of December: Come to me, O Divine Savior, vouchsafe to be born in my heart. Grant that, taught by Thine example, and assisted by Thy grace, I may be poor in spirit and humble of heart. Keep me chaste and obedient. I wish to live but for Thee, and to do all things purely for love of Thee. O Mary, my Advocate and Mother, obtain by thy prayers forgiveness of my past offenses and holy perseverance unto death. St. Joseph, do thou also pray for me, that I may become daily more pleasing to Jesus. Amen". By Maria Grow
By Beston Jack Abrams
"Silence is a portable sanctuary"
MTA= Maybe a bit to often we desecrate our sanctuary with too much talking and chatter. Our spirits would welcome moments of rest in the inner sanctuary where mysteries could unfold to our amazement.
"Silence is a portable sanctuary"
MTA= Maybe a bit to often we desecrate our sanctuary with too much talking and chatter. Our spirits would welcome moments of rest in the inner sanctuary where mysteries could unfold to our amazement.
⚪️ "Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent…If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time." By Edwards Hays
🔴"Christmas – God Comes So Close to Man. The phrase admirabile commercium, current in the theology and spirituality of the Nativity, is used to describe this ‘admirable exchange between the divine and the human.…The first act of that exchange comes about in Christ’s own humanity. The Word assumed our humanity and, in exchange, human nature was raised to divine dignity. The second act of the exchange consists in our real and intimate involvement in the divine nature of the Word.…Thus Christmas is the feast in which God comes so close to man as to share the very act of being born, showing men and women their most profound dignity: that of being children of God. Humanity’s dream which began in the Garden of Eden – we want to be like God – is realized in an unexpected way, not through the greatness of man, who cannot make himself God, but through the humility of God Who came down among us in His humility, raising us to the true greatness of His being". By Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
🔵 Christmas Thoughts: "It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts;
It’s not wrapping presents, its being present and wrapping your arms around the ones you love;
It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time, It’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time;
It’s not having the biggest and best Christmas light display, It’s displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart;
It’s not Santa coming down the chimney, It’s Jesus coming down from heaven, and giving us the gift of eternal life". By Anonymous
🔴"Christmas – God Comes So Close to Man. The phrase admirabile commercium, current in the theology and spirituality of the Nativity, is used to describe this ‘admirable exchange between the divine and the human.…The first act of that exchange comes about in Christ’s own humanity. The Word assumed our humanity and, in exchange, human nature was raised to divine dignity. The second act of the exchange consists in our real and intimate involvement in the divine nature of the Word.…Thus Christmas is the feast in which God comes so close to man as to share the very act of being born, showing men and women their most profound dignity: that of being children of God. Humanity’s dream which began in the Garden of Eden – we want to be like God – is realized in an unexpected way, not through the greatness of man, who cannot make himself God, but through the humility of God Who came down among us in His humility, raising us to the true greatness of His being". By Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
🔵 Christmas Thoughts: "It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts;
It’s not wrapping presents, its being present and wrapping your arms around the ones you love;
It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time, It’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time;
It’s not having the biggest and best Christmas light display, It’s displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart;
It’s not Santa coming down the chimney, It’s Jesus coming down from heaven, and giving us the gift of eternal life". By Anonymous
Psalms 43:3-5 "Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me to thy holy hill and to thy dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise thee with the lyre, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again" |
Jeremiah 31:31-32 "See, days are coming—oracle of the LORD—when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. They broke my covenant, though I was their master—oracle of the LORD" |
Micah 5:1-3 " But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathaha But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathahaleast among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for meone who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, Then the rest of his kindred shall return to the children of Israel. He shall take his place as shepherd by the strength of the LORD, by the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall dwell securely, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth" |
Isaiah 9:1 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone" From the perfect number of scriptures, moving on to the Meditation. This unfolded for about half hour one day. It resulted from a visit to the crèche exhibit at St. Alphonsus church, info passed on by Claudia. Thank God for her in my life, she is a real spiritual gift, helping me to be one a better student in the school of God. The meditation is based on the Blessed Mother Mary figure in the nativity scene. The meditation occurred on a Saturday, the perfect day, and to start with our Lady, perfect, as Saturday is the day of the week dedicated to her. This particular crèche, shown below, was chosen out of over 100 viewed. It was the one where the calling came to animate each figure with a prayer. The meditative tool would be found in crèche number 60, made of wood. |
Here is a picture of the Blessed Virgin isolated, and if it so pleases you, embark upon your own Advent exercise with the Holy Spirit. Meditate, be open to a contemplation, and spend a few moments with her and compose your own prayer before moving on to share a slice of my journey.
My Meditation:
It is like the Holy Spirit saying:
1. 💜See from a sanctified vision, look at The Mother of God, The Blessed Lady, Holy Mother Mary. Observe the shadow of Blessed Joseph over her. I overshadowed her that The Incarnation might become a reality, he overshadows to protect, to cherish, and to serve in love.
2. 💜 I care to do the same for you, for one, and for all. To shadow you, to shadow all of mankind to bring forth blossoms from the planted seeds within. Seeds were planted when your soul was infused into your body. A duty I attend to every minute of every hour, I wish to bring forth The Living Jesus alive in you to the fullest. Live under My Shadow, know you are protected and loved. All things are working for good, those things seen and unseen, what is pleasant or unpleasant. Your God, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit is above, beneath, and ever at your side. Rejoice be glad, peacefully accepting the moments of life that tick away into Eternity, all with purpose and meaning.
3. 💜 See, see, my child, how The Virgin, Mary Most Holy, cradles The Infant Christ. Her posture caresses, it protects, cherishes, loves, and adores in worship. In return she receives graces which produces wisdom, fullfillment, knowledge, understanding, joy, peace, and virtues in abundance. The symbiotic relationship will continue unbroken as that posture of humility is held In the heart, day in and day out. Always let it be about you holding on to Jesus, and knowing without a doubt that Jesus will be holding on to you.
4. 💜 In the Spiritual Life there is nothing that is static, every moment Is alive wiith an opportunity that works for God or against. I Myself, am always moving, either as a Mighty Wind or a Gentle Breeze. Notice the posture Of The Holy Virgin, she is interiorally at attention, in a position which demonstrates readiness at a moments notice to rise and walk, or to sit back and rest. You to are to be ever ready to sit, stand, or walk in obedience to The Voice that calls from above. To be obedient, is to know that you are not your own.
5. 💜 The Holy Virgin is wise, she sees and knows that "The Gift", signifies "Mission", a call to join The Heavenly Team, to further The Kingdom of God. All are chosen, you are chosen. All are called, you are called, gifts are for "The Mission", God is to be glorified, let each one respond accordingly.
6. 💜 In Conclusion, it's to stay the course, to keep on the straight and narrow path, not leaning to the right, as to leaning on your understanding. It's not to lean to the left, which signifies being catechized by the world. My child, model The Blessed Virgin, who is not standing on her her own righteousness or sitting apathetically in mediocrity, but in a humble posture, kneeling, one fit for traveling on the straight and narrow way to God. In such a posture, where one can easily stand or sit, as God so wills. The call may be to go, at another time it may be a call to rest a while. One must follow the cloud by day and the pilar of fire by night, as God so wills.
7. 💜 My Prayer Response is imagining what The Blessed Mother is saying in her heart as she gazes upon her Son snuggled in her arms:
Son, My Dear Son, the God made Man, by the power Of The Most Holy Spirit and gifted to me as "Son". I with all my heart will love You, Cherish You, and unite my heart to Yours to fulfill The Will of God, Our Father, no matter the cost. I with a most grateful and thankful heart, rejoice in You, begotten of The Father, condescending and coming down willingly to earth to bring todings of joy and to save sinners. You delight in the fact that captives will be set free. I will give Zog myself totally to draw the world to You. I offer up everything, I give myself without reserve to You, to the Mission, to being sold out to fulfilling The Holy Will of The Most High all the days of my life. Our hearts are united evermore, our mission is sealed together. In perpetual action is my yes to the coming of The Kingdom. Awake and asleep, my heart beats with love unto God for His Glory and Honor, as He looks with favor on a lowly one. Forever and ever, I am the Handmaid of The Lord. Glory Be to The Father, and to The Son, and to The Holy Spirit Amen.
It is like the Holy Spirit saying:
1. 💜See from a sanctified vision, look at The Mother of God, The Blessed Lady, Holy Mother Mary. Observe the shadow of Blessed Joseph over her. I overshadowed her that The Incarnation might become a reality, he overshadows to protect, to cherish, and to serve in love.
2. 💜 I care to do the same for you, for one, and for all. To shadow you, to shadow all of mankind to bring forth blossoms from the planted seeds within. Seeds were planted when your soul was infused into your body. A duty I attend to every minute of every hour, I wish to bring forth The Living Jesus alive in you to the fullest. Live under My Shadow, know you are protected and loved. All things are working for good, those things seen and unseen, what is pleasant or unpleasant. Your God, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit is above, beneath, and ever at your side. Rejoice be glad, peacefully accepting the moments of life that tick away into Eternity, all with purpose and meaning.
3. 💜 See, see, my child, how The Virgin, Mary Most Holy, cradles The Infant Christ. Her posture caresses, it protects, cherishes, loves, and adores in worship. In return she receives graces which produces wisdom, fullfillment, knowledge, understanding, joy, peace, and virtues in abundance. The symbiotic relationship will continue unbroken as that posture of humility is held In the heart, day in and day out. Always let it be about you holding on to Jesus, and knowing without a doubt that Jesus will be holding on to you.
4. 💜 In the Spiritual Life there is nothing that is static, every moment Is alive wiith an opportunity that works for God or against. I Myself, am always moving, either as a Mighty Wind or a Gentle Breeze. Notice the posture Of The Holy Virgin, she is interiorally at attention, in a position which demonstrates readiness at a moments notice to rise and walk, or to sit back and rest. You to are to be ever ready to sit, stand, or walk in obedience to The Voice that calls from above. To be obedient, is to know that you are not your own.
5. 💜 The Holy Virgin is wise, she sees and knows that "The Gift", signifies "Mission", a call to join The Heavenly Team, to further The Kingdom of God. All are chosen, you are chosen. All are called, you are called, gifts are for "The Mission", God is to be glorified, let each one respond accordingly.
6. 💜 In Conclusion, it's to stay the course, to keep on the straight and narrow path, not leaning to the right, as to leaning on your understanding. It's not to lean to the left, which signifies being catechized by the world. My child, model The Blessed Virgin, who is not standing on her her own righteousness or sitting apathetically in mediocrity, but in a humble posture, kneeling, one fit for traveling on the straight and narrow way to God. In such a posture, where one can easily stand or sit, as God so wills. The call may be to go, at another time it may be a call to rest a while. One must follow the cloud by day and the pilar of fire by night, as God so wills.
7. 💜 My Prayer Response is imagining what The Blessed Mother is saying in her heart as she gazes upon her Son snuggled in her arms:
Son, My Dear Son, the God made Man, by the power Of The Most Holy Spirit and gifted to me as "Son". I with all my heart will love You, Cherish You, and unite my heart to Yours to fulfill The Will of God, Our Father, no matter the cost. I with a most grateful and thankful heart, rejoice in You, begotten of The Father, condescending and coming down willingly to earth to bring todings of joy and to save sinners. You delight in the fact that captives will be set free. I will give Zog myself totally to draw the world to You. I offer up everything, I give myself without reserve to You, to the Mission, to being sold out to fulfilling The Holy Will of The Most High all the days of my life. Our hearts are united evermore, our mission is sealed together. In perpetual action is my yes to the coming of The Kingdom. Awake and asleep, my heart beats with love unto God for His Glory and Honor, as He looks with favor on a lowly one. Forever and ever, I am the Handmaid of The Lord. Glory Be to The Father, and to The Son, and to The Holy Spirit Amen.
The runner up in my book, the crèche coming in 1st place, number 94, made of glass.
2nd place runner up to me, is number 55, made of driftwood
The 3rd runner up is a black metal nativity scene.
Every crèche was beautiful and unique on it's on kind of way, as diverse as faces and souls. Prayed the Flame of Love Rosary there during the exhibit for myself, for all who would would attend or contributed in any way , and now adding an addendum: that you looking at these photos, also be beneficiaries of the Rosary prayed. Being consecrated to the Blessed Mother Holy Imnaculata, she makes up for my shortcomings, so you really do benefit from the prayers.
"The Advent Virus", by Anonymous, via email
Info from this site:
http://www.appleseeds.org/christmas-quotes.htm
"WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS
Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.
Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:
Not sure what gifts to give this Christmas, here are a list that the rich and the poor alike can afford. An affordable budget depends upon on your spiritual maturity. Fill the stockings to overflowing with the gifts listed below:
Some Special Gifts (Source Unknown)
Here are a few suggestions for special gifts:
Info from this site:
http://www.appleseeds.org/christmas-quotes.htm
"WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS
Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.
Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:
- A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
- An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
- A loss of interest in judging other people.
- A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
- A loss of interest in conflict.
- A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
- Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
- Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
- Frequent attacks of smiling.
- An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
- An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
Not sure what gifts to give this Christmas, here are a list that the rich and the poor alike can afford. An affordable budget depends upon on your spiritual maturity. Fill the stockings to overflowing with the gifts listed below:
Some Special Gifts (Source Unknown)
Here are a few suggestions for special gifts:
- a firm handshake to a shaky soul,
- a kind word to a lonely person,
- a warm smile to the disheartened,
- a sincere concern for someone troubled,
- a feeling of compassion for the neglected,
- a comforting thought for the bereaved,
- a respect for the dignity of others,
- a defense of the rights of individuals,
- a word of witness to help a seeking soul,
- a Merry Christmas to all."
"Advent Meditations for The Month of December", from A Catholic Moment
Info from this site: http://www.acatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/Advent-Meditations-for-The-Month-of-December.html
"These are some simple, beautiful meditations that can help you prepare your heart this advent, for the coming of the Christ Child.
🌲Dec. 1 - THE STABLE. Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home. Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.
🌲Dec. 2 - THE ROOF. See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected rain and snow. This you will do by carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark. Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.
🌲Dec. 3 - CREVICES. Carefully stop every crevice in the walls of the stable, so that the wind and cold may not enter there. Guard your senses against temptations. Guard especially your ears against sinful conversations. Jesus, help me to keep temptations out of my heart.
🌲Dec. 4 - COBWEBS. Clean the cobwebs from your spiritual crib. Diligently remove from your heart every inordinate desire of being praised. Renew this intention at least three times today. My Jesus I want to please Thee in all I do today.
🌲Dec. 5 - FENCE. Build a fence about the crib of your heart by keeping strict watch over your eyes, especially at prayer. Sweet Jesus, I long to see Thee.
🌲Dec. 6 - MANGER. Fix the best and warmest corner of your heart for the manger of Jesus.
You will do this by abstaining from what you like most in the line of food, comfort and amusement. Mary, use these sacrifices to prepare my heart for Jesus in Holy Communion.
🌲Dec. 7 - HAY. Supply the manger of your heart with hay, by overcoming all feelings of pride, anger, or envy. Jesus, teach me to know and correct my greatest faults.
🌲Dec. 8 - SOFT STRAW. Also provide your manger with soft straw by performing little acts of mortification; for instance, bear the cold without complaints; or sit and stand erect. Dear Jesus, who suffered so much for me, let me suffer for love of Thee.
🌲Dec. 9 - SWADDLING CLOTHES. Prepare these for the Divine Infant by folding your hands when you pray, and by praying slowly and thoughtfully. Jesus, let me love Thee more and more.
🌲Dec. 10 - BLANKETS. Provide the manger of your heart with soft, warm blankets. AvoidMharsh and angry words; be kind and gentle to all. Jesus, help me to be meek and humble like Thee.
🌲Dec. 11 - FUEL. Bring fuel to the crib of Jesus. Give up your own will; obey your superiors carefully and promptly. Jesus, let me do Thy will in all things.
🌲Dec. 12 - WATER. Bring fresh, clean water to the crib. Avoid every untruthful word and every deceitful act. Dearest Mary, obtain for me true contrition for my sins.
🌲Dec. 13 - PROVISIONS. Bring a supply of food to the crib. Deprive yourself of some food at meal time; or candy or snack, especially when you feel like eating. Jesus, be my strength and nourishment.
🌲Dec. 14 - LIGHT. See that the crib has sufficient light. Be neat and orderly about your person; keep everything in its place in your room. Jesus, be the life and light of my soul.
🌲Dec. 15 - FIRE. Take care to have the crib of your heart warmed by a cozy fire. Be grateful to God for the love He has shown us in becoming man; behave with grateful respect towards your parents and relatives. Jesus, how can I return Thy love; how can I show my gratitude to Thee?
🌲Dec. 16 - THE OX. Lead the ox to the crib. Obey cheerfully without making excuses and asking "why." I will obey for love of Thee, Jesus.
🌲Dec. 17 - THE DONKEY. Bring the donkey to the crib. Offer to the Divine Infant your bodily strength; us it in the service of others. Jesus, accept my service of love; I offer it for those who do not love Thee.
🌲Dec. 18 - GIFTS. Gather some presents for the Divine Infant and His Blessed Mother. Give alms for the poor and say an extra decade of the Rosary. Come, Jesus, to accept my gifts and to take possession of my heart.
🌲Dec. 19 - LAMBS. Strive to bring some little lambs, meek and patient. So do not murmur or complain. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Thine.
🌲Dec. 20 - SHEPHERDS. Invite the shepherds to pay homage to our newborn King. Imitate their watchfulness. Stree in your speech and thoughts the idea that Christmas is important because Jesus will be born again in you. Jesus, teach me to love Thee above all things.
🌲Dec. 21 - THE KEY. Provide the stable with a key to keep out thieves. Exclude from your heart every sinful thought, every rash judgment. Dear Jesus, close my heart to all that hurts Thee.
🌲Dec. 22 - ANGELS. Invite the angels to adore God with you. Cheerfully obey the inspirations of your guardian angel and of your conscience. Holy Guardian Angel, never let me forget that you are with me always.
🌲Dec. 23 - ST. JOSEPH. Accompany St. Joseph from door to door. Learn from him silently and patiently to bear refusals and disappointments. Open wide your heart and beg him to enter with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Joseph, help me to prepare for a worthy Christmas Communion.
🌲Dec. 24 - THE BLESSED VIRGIN. Go meet your Blessed Mother. Lead her to the manger of your heart and beg her to lay the Divine Infant in it. Shorten your chats and telephone conversations and spend more time today thinking of Jesus and Mary and Joseph. Come, dear Jesus. Come, my heart longs for Thee.
🌲Dec. 25 - THE CHRIST CHILD. Welcome the Christ Child into the manger of your heart. Thank Jesus frequently for coming to dwell in you in Holy Communion and for sacrificing Himself for your salvation. Welcome Jesus, welcome to my heart!"
Info from this site: http://www.acatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/Advent-Meditations-for-The-Month-of-December.html
"These are some simple, beautiful meditations that can help you prepare your heart this advent, for the coming of the Christ Child.
🌲Dec. 1 - THE STABLE. Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home. Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.
🌲Dec. 2 - THE ROOF. See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected rain and snow. This you will do by carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark. Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.
🌲Dec. 3 - CREVICES. Carefully stop every crevice in the walls of the stable, so that the wind and cold may not enter there. Guard your senses against temptations. Guard especially your ears against sinful conversations. Jesus, help me to keep temptations out of my heart.
🌲Dec. 4 - COBWEBS. Clean the cobwebs from your spiritual crib. Diligently remove from your heart every inordinate desire of being praised. Renew this intention at least three times today. My Jesus I want to please Thee in all I do today.
🌲Dec. 5 - FENCE. Build a fence about the crib of your heart by keeping strict watch over your eyes, especially at prayer. Sweet Jesus, I long to see Thee.
🌲Dec. 6 - MANGER. Fix the best and warmest corner of your heart for the manger of Jesus.
You will do this by abstaining from what you like most in the line of food, comfort and amusement. Mary, use these sacrifices to prepare my heart for Jesus in Holy Communion.
🌲Dec. 7 - HAY. Supply the manger of your heart with hay, by overcoming all feelings of pride, anger, or envy. Jesus, teach me to know and correct my greatest faults.
🌲Dec. 8 - SOFT STRAW. Also provide your manger with soft straw by performing little acts of mortification; for instance, bear the cold without complaints; or sit and stand erect. Dear Jesus, who suffered so much for me, let me suffer for love of Thee.
🌲Dec. 9 - SWADDLING CLOTHES. Prepare these for the Divine Infant by folding your hands when you pray, and by praying slowly and thoughtfully. Jesus, let me love Thee more and more.
🌲Dec. 10 - BLANKETS. Provide the manger of your heart with soft, warm blankets. AvoidMharsh and angry words; be kind and gentle to all. Jesus, help me to be meek and humble like Thee.
🌲Dec. 11 - FUEL. Bring fuel to the crib of Jesus. Give up your own will; obey your superiors carefully and promptly. Jesus, let me do Thy will in all things.
🌲Dec. 12 - WATER. Bring fresh, clean water to the crib. Avoid every untruthful word and every deceitful act. Dearest Mary, obtain for me true contrition for my sins.
🌲Dec. 13 - PROVISIONS. Bring a supply of food to the crib. Deprive yourself of some food at meal time; or candy or snack, especially when you feel like eating. Jesus, be my strength and nourishment.
🌲Dec. 14 - LIGHT. See that the crib has sufficient light. Be neat and orderly about your person; keep everything in its place in your room. Jesus, be the life and light of my soul.
🌲Dec. 15 - FIRE. Take care to have the crib of your heart warmed by a cozy fire. Be grateful to God for the love He has shown us in becoming man; behave with grateful respect towards your parents and relatives. Jesus, how can I return Thy love; how can I show my gratitude to Thee?
🌲Dec. 16 - THE OX. Lead the ox to the crib. Obey cheerfully without making excuses and asking "why." I will obey for love of Thee, Jesus.
🌲Dec. 17 - THE DONKEY. Bring the donkey to the crib. Offer to the Divine Infant your bodily strength; us it in the service of others. Jesus, accept my service of love; I offer it for those who do not love Thee.
🌲Dec. 18 - GIFTS. Gather some presents for the Divine Infant and His Blessed Mother. Give alms for the poor and say an extra decade of the Rosary. Come, Jesus, to accept my gifts and to take possession of my heart.
🌲Dec. 19 - LAMBS. Strive to bring some little lambs, meek and patient. So do not murmur or complain. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Thine.
🌲Dec. 20 - SHEPHERDS. Invite the shepherds to pay homage to our newborn King. Imitate their watchfulness. Stree in your speech and thoughts the idea that Christmas is important because Jesus will be born again in you. Jesus, teach me to love Thee above all things.
🌲Dec. 21 - THE KEY. Provide the stable with a key to keep out thieves. Exclude from your heart every sinful thought, every rash judgment. Dear Jesus, close my heart to all that hurts Thee.
🌲Dec. 22 - ANGELS. Invite the angels to adore God with you. Cheerfully obey the inspirations of your guardian angel and of your conscience. Holy Guardian Angel, never let me forget that you are with me always.
🌲Dec. 23 - ST. JOSEPH. Accompany St. Joseph from door to door. Learn from him silently and patiently to bear refusals and disappointments. Open wide your heart and beg him to enter with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Joseph, help me to prepare for a worthy Christmas Communion.
🌲Dec. 24 - THE BLESSED VIRGIN. Go meet your Blessed Mother. Lead her to the manger of your heart and beg her to lay the Divine Infant in it. Shorten your chats and telephone conversations and spend more time today thinking of Jesus and Mary and Joseph. Come, dear Jesus. Come, my heart longs for Thee.
🌲Dec. 25 - THE CHRIST CHILD. Welcome the Christ Child into the manger of your heart. Thank Jesus frequently for coming to dwell in you in Holy Communion and for sacrificing Himself for your salvation. Welcome Jesus, welcome to my heart!"
Advent Retreat -Father Mark Robson from St. Augustine seminary provided the parish with a 3-day reflection on the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer we pray during the season of Advent.
YouTube video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qakgII5He10&sns=em
YouTube video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qakgII5He10&sns=em