Fourth Week of Advent Meditation #1


Although we do not know the exact date of the birth of Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Church has been counting down these four weeks before Christmas in the Advent Season to celebrate just that. This week we are in the fourth and final week preparing our hearts and minds for not only commemorating the birth of our Lord and Savior of all humankind, but also brings to mind our preparation for his second coming as he foretold in Matthew 24:29-31.

MEDITATION:

God our Father in heaven, Creator of the earth, galaxies, universes, and all powers, angels and archangels; be with us as we wait and again to celebrate the gift of your presence with us, in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. We recall the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem, when Mary and Joseph welcomed him into the world.

The angels sang hymns of glory, and the shepherds knelt before the manger in awe and adoration. In faith we look forward to the Jesus’ coming in glory at the end of time, when he will gather us into his kingdom of love and peace. Help us to be ready, waiting with joyful hearts, to welcome Jesus who loves us so much.

Prepare our hearts to celebrate his coming this Christmas. Give us strength to live in peace with everyone, especially those closest to us. We thank you for being with our family, neighbors and friends.

If we have hurt anyone, help us make amends. Help us also to forgive anyone who may have hurt us. May the flame of the light of the four advent candles also ignite love in our hearts, the love that only you can give.

Let us seek reconciliation with God, through Jesus this Advent Season, so that nothing stands between us and the Good God who gave us our life.

God Bless