“Even our Christmas fare has its roots in the Church’s Advent liturgy, which echoes the wonderful words of the Old Testament: On that day the mountains will drip sweetness and the rivers will bring down milk and honey. It was in words such as these that men in the past expressed their hopes in a redeemed world…. [God] as it were distributes honey and it must therefore be true that the earth flows with it. Where he is, there can, after all, be no bitterness.” –Pope Benedict XVI (+ 2022)
Intention: Lord, thank You for blessing America. Thank You for blessing America!
Saturday: Completed
the Father’s Will
1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture:
You guide me along the right path/ for the sake of your name.
—Psalm 23:3
Reflection:
With Mary’s “yes” she completed the Father’s will. She will be
blessed forever, because she embraced God’s will.
Prayer:
Father, as I walk the dusty roads of life, give me the unselfishness
to be obedient to Your will every step of the way. Amen.
Saturday: Carrying Jesus to Others
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture:
The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back.
—Ezekiel 34:16
Reflection:
Mary carried Jesus, God Incarnate, in her womb, to visit
Elizabeth, seeking her out for the love of neighbor.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to carry Jesus to others, in imitation of Mary.
Give me a simple smile for others, or the answer to someone’s
question about the faith or a listening ear. Amen.
Saturday: Adoring Jesus
3rd Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
Scripture:
The angel of the Lord appeared to them [the shepherds] and
the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck
with great fear.
—Luke 2:9
Reflection:
The Word Incarnate was born into the world and laid in a
manger where Mother Mary, St. Joseph and the shepherds
adored Him.
Prayer:
Dearest Mother Mary and St. Joseph, assist me, through your
intercession, in doing my best to imitate you and the shepherds
by simply adoring Jesus, and thereby recognizing Him as Our
Lord and Savior. Amen.
Saturday: Accepting
Divine Appointments
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture:
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said
about him.
—Luke 2:33
Reflection:
Simeon gave his prophecy about Mary’s being pierced by a
sword in recognition that serving God would not always be
easy.
Prayer:
Lord, encourage me to listen to Your still, small voice, and to
accept Your divine appointments in my life. Amen.
Saturday: Safety Net
5th Joyful Mystery: The Finding of
the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture:
When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek
me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the
Lord.
—Jeremiah 29:13–14
Reflection:
We often get off track spiritually, and Jesus can seem far away
from us. But He died to make sure that He would be available
to us always, if we would only seek Him.
Prayer:
Jesus, assist me in remembering You, and Your safety net of
divine love. Teach me to turn to You even in my darkest
moments. Amen.
