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Sunday, November 28
First Sunday of Advent
A few verses in Matthew and Luke tell us all we know about St. Joseph. They provide just enough information to demonstrate why he was the divine choice to become the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Joseph was a distant descendant of King David, he gave Christ the King his royal lineage. Joseph also came from the right hometown. He was from Bethlehem, the city that Scripture predicted would produce the messiah (Micah 5:1). And as a carpenter (Matthew 13:55), Joseph was poor—Christ’s condition of preference.
Scripture portrays Joseph as open to God, obedient, upright, and, above all, kind. The saint displayed all of these qualities in his handling of Mary’s surprise pregnancy. Imagine the confusion of emotions that must have flooded him when Mary confided that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit! As a devout observer of the law, Joseph knew that he might have to repudiate his betrothal. But his kindness and confidence in Mary prevented his taking such a harsh step, which would have shamed her. It may have even put her in danger (Deuteronomy 22:20–21). Joseph must have agonized over his decision, praying intently about it. Finally he decided to divorce Mary quietly. But Joseph was open to God, and in a dream a divine messenger told him to take Mary home as his wife. Joseph did exactly that.
Joseph’s wise dealing with Mary is a model for us when we face complex moral and personal issues. He subordinated his feelings to do what God required. He was open to whatever God wanted, and when he sensed the divine will, he obeyed.
-Voices of the Saints
🎨Jane Ray
Sunday, Nov 28, 2021
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Light up the night
In an unusual conjoining of celebrations, we begin the season of Advent today as our Jewish friends begin the eight-day festival of lights known as Chanukah tonight. It's intriguing to reflect on how Advent too is an extended celebration of moving from the darkness of history into the light of Christ's coming. Light remains a symbol of spiritual illumination, abandoning the gloom of ignorance for knowledge and the shadow of foolishness for wisdom. As we string holiday lights and decorate with sparkling ornaments, let's consciously choose against error's dark deceptions and ally ourselves with the light of truth.
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36. "Be vigilant at all times . . . to stand before the Son of Man."
Brothers and sisters:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all,
just as we have for you,
so as to strengthen your hearts.
1 Thessalonians 3:12
#dailyingodsword
Mary of Nazareth, You believed God's Word within Your heart. Help me believe and be faithful to my 'yes' each day. May my life be completely the way Jesus wants it to be. Love lead the way.
#saturdayswithmary #firstsundayofadvent
Reflect the Peace of Christ
Maybe you should make a prayer room in your house . . . a place where you can go and often return and let God speak to you. . . .
Never forget the words “In this world you will have troubles but be brave: I have overcome the world.” Every time you spend silent time in your prayer room you celebrate Christ’s victory over the world (over death, over the evil one) and allow yourself to taste already now the peace that comes from this victory.
It is so important for the people around you to see that peace of Christ reflected in your eyes, your hands, and your words. There is more power in that than in all your teaching and organizing. That is the truth we need to keep telling each other. - Henri Nouwen
“You sons of men, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“O Israel, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“Servants of the Lord, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
Daniel 3:82
The first Sunday of Advent is this weekend!
Did you know?
The wreath’s circular shape represents the everlasting love of God… and evergreen also represents a love that never dies. Often there will be one more candle, representing Jesus Christ, in the center. On each of the four Sundays before Christmas, a candles are lit. The candle lighting happens both in Church and in the home. Traditionally the candles are 3 purple and one rose, but at home you can create your own with white or other candles on hand. On the first Sunday of Advent, you light just one candle, on the second Sunday you light two…and so on. On Christmas Eve all four candles are lit, along with one more in the center. Each week you can share a simple prayer or scripture reading to help prepare your hearts for Christmas.
Advent Family Prayer
God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen
Community is like a large mosaic. Each little piece seems so insignificant. One piece is bright red, another cold blue or dull green, another warm purple, another sharp yellow, another shining gold. Some look precious, others ordinary. Some look valuable, others worthless. Some look gaudy, others delicate. We can do little with them as individual stones except compare them and judge their beauty and value. When, however, all these little stones are brought together in one big mosaic, portraying the face of Christ, who would ever question the importance of any one of them? If one of them, even the least spectacular one, is missing, the face is incomplete. Together in the one mosaic, each little stone is indispensable and makes a unique contribution to the glory of God. That’s community, a fellowship of little people who together make God visible in the world.
-Henri Nouwen
“Mountains and hills, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“Everything growing from the earth, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.
“You springs, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“Seas and rivers, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all
“All you birds of the air, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
“All you beasts, wild and tame, bless the Lord;
praise and exalt him above all forever.”
Daniel 3:75-80
#dailyingodsword
Amen
Amen
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
