Advent - 2020

Advent / Christmas 2020 will be like no other we have experience. So, does this mean that they are lost to us? From the spiritual side of things, this time can be an even deeper experience. How? TIME: Because we will find ourselves with more time on our hands because of the COVID-19 restrictions, we have more time to concentrate, meditate and pray on the scriptures. Think of Joseph and Mary – what disruption to their lives they had to suffer because of census imposed on the people by Caesar Augustus:   “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.” Reflect over the trials this would have caused Joseph and Mary, she now advanced in her pregnancy with Jesus. There is so much to take in here. Our various trials cause by this pandemic give us a sensitive, internal identification with what they must have been feeling. Do not miss this opportunity to send time with these scriptures in these days before us. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++  Jesus Christ is the joy and happiness of all who look forward to his coming.  Let us call upon him and say:  Come, Lord, and do not delay!  In joy, we wait for your coming;  — come, Lord Jesus.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!  Before time began, you shared life with the Father;  — come now and save us.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!  You created the world and all who live in it;  — come to redeem the work of your hands.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!  You did not hesitate to become man, subject to death;  — come to free us from the power of death.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!  You came to give us life to the full;  — come and give us your unending life.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!  You desire all people to live in love in your kingdom;  — come and bring together those who long to see you face to face.  Come, Lord, and do not delay!  Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God,  the resolve to run forth  to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming,  so that, gathered at his right hand,  they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom.  Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,  who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,  one God, for ever and ever.  — Amen.

A You Tube video:         . . . LINK . . .

.