But to those
who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God. Jo 1:12-13
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God. Jo 1:12-13
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
It is our intention for these Advent meditations to delve more deeply into the true mystery of Christmas. Our principal resource is the text of the prologue of St. John's gospel which is the gospel reading for the Mass of Christmas Day. Taking a verse at a time, we continue our search.
AN ADVENT PRAYER
It is our intention for these Advent meditations to delve more deeply into the true mystery of Christmas. Our principal resource is the text of the prologue of St. John's gospel which is the gospel reading for the Mass of Christmas Day. Taking a verse at a time, we continue our search.
- Three things that DO NOT bring us into the mystery of Christ
- Being born into and raised in a Christian family (the chosen race concept of O.T.) - born not by natural generation
- Belonging to a church congregation - nor by human choice
- The result of one's own investigation into religion - nor a man’s decision
- A real encounter with the true Christ "... who has come into the world", is a gift of grace, a work of the Holy Spirit.
- Our part is found in desire, a hunger seated deep within our souls, to want Him
- Decorations, Christmas music, and all the merry making cannot do it.
- Finding Christmas comes about through an authentic desire, a hunger, rooted in the poverty of one's heart and expressed through prayer.
- Christmas is found only after an authentic Advent.
- Do you have a feeling of need in your heart, an absence of the so called, "Christmas spirit"? That is the spirit of Advent working in you, preparing the stable of your heart where something new and wonderful is to be born.
AN ADVENT PRAYER
Gracious Lord of Glory
I stand before you with empty pockets.
Like the Prodigal Son, I have squandered
the inheritance of grace you bestowed upon me
in many empty pursuits.
In the midst of the glitz and glamour of Christmas,
I walk about alone and detached,
like a street person in the shadows,
my heart is cold and hungry.
But I have heard the voices of Advent
they inspire me with new hope.
O come Emmanuel!
Once again pay my ransom and free me.
The stable of my heart is once more empty,
waiting for your coming anew.
O come! O come Emmanuel,
and ransom me as you did captive Israel.
An Advent Hymn - LINK
No comments:
Post a Comment