Our Lady of the New Advent

“O LORD, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, world without end. Amen.”

 – Collect for Fourth Sunday in Advent; 1928 Book of Common Prayer

REFLECTION

As we approach the end of the Advent season, there is much to reflect on. However, what we ought to reflect on, is not advertised on television, the internet or any other outlet of the media. We are told repeatedly to reflect on how much money we have saved up to purchase the best gift for our friend/loved one/colleague. We are told to reflect on the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and DOORBUSTER sales.

It is my hope and prayer that you (the reader) reflect on the course of your life. Reflect on the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her strength to endure the labor of delivering a child during that time frame. Her strength in carrying a child that she knows will die in a manner that is unthinkable in todays context. She is the God Bearer.  Let us also reflect on the life of St. Joseph, the stepfather of our Lord and Savior. He was in charge of protecting the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus from all harm. As a father in the Jewish society of the day, he was also responsible for the raising of the child as well.

These are the things we need to reflect up during the Advent Season. The birth, death and resurrection of Christ is everlasting. A $97.00, 32 inch flat screen HD television is not.

 – JMH+