Advent:
Welcoming
the Christ
A series of weekly reflections and prayerful practices for you during Advent and Christmastide.
May they help you be present with God, and yourself this holiday season.
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Advent Week 1
Proclaiming the Christ
The life and words of John the Baptist proclaimed the coming of the Christ. Proclaimed the Kingdom of Heaven. He was sustained by the deep and expansive love of God – through the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit sustain us.
Prayerful Practices:
- Sunday Vespers & Compline
- Reflection Points
- Lectio Divina with “the Benedictus” – Luke 1:68-79
- Breath Prayers
Invite others to Reflect
Advent Week 2
Carrying Christ
Mary found tremendous favor in the Lord’s eyes. Invited to carry Jesus into creation. The call to follow Christ is likewise a call to carry Him, and his kingdom within ourselves, and our world.
Prayerful Practices:
- Sunday Vespers & Compline
- Reflection Points
- Visio Divina with “the Annunciation” – Luke 1:26-38
- Breath Prayers
Advent Week 3
Born our King and Christ
Rejoice! One is coming who is both Christ and King. Who will ascend His throne and reign forever. Let us start our pilgrimage to the gates of the Kingdom of God, and find ourselves at home with Jesus.
Prayerful Practices:
- Sunday Vespers & Compline
- Reflection Points
- Lectio Divina with “the Parable of the Vineyard Workers” – Matthew 19:27-20:16
- Breath Prayers
Advent Week 4
Eternal Light, our Christ
Our Christ was born into a world that was far from perfect. He illuminates the darkness and stands apart in shadows. Jesus, the light eternal, come to us when our lives are far from perfect.
Prayerful Practices:
- Sunday Vespers & Compline
- Reflection Points
- Lectio Divina with “the Word became Flesh” – John 1:1-14
- Breath Prayers
Christmas Day
Hallelujah! Immanuel and Christ
In the dark of night, Jesus, the light of the world, was born. Shepherds were invited into the heavenly celebration of his Birth. The first invited to gaze upon Christ. Our Lord. Our Immanuel. Hallelujah.
Prayerful Practices:
- Sunday Vespers & Compline
- Reflection Points
- Lectio Divina – Luke 2:10-12, 14
- Breath Prayers
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Photo Credit
Paul Prins taken 24 November 2022 in the Marais of Paris.