Advent 2016
The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.'
~Luke 1: 30-33~
Imagine how overwhelmed that Mary felt when she learned that she was going to be the Mother of God, that she was to bring His gift of love to humanity to life on Earth. How does one prepare for such an incredible gift? This is at the heart of our Advent journey. God is sending us the amazing gift of salvation to be found in Jesus, whose kingdom has no end. In these upcoming weeks, let us prepare our hearts, our homes, and our lives to receive Him.
I would like to share a beautiful prayer with you as you begin your Advent journey.
Advent Prayer
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God's own work for justice.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father's joy. I seek His will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is right to bring to the manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the life begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail.
Amen.