Advent Meditations - Tuesday 15 December

Just a blanket on the floor
Of a vacant cattle-stall
But there the child was born
She held him in her arms
And as she laid him down to sleep
She wondered - will it always be
So bitter and so sweet
(Thorns in the Straw - Graham Kendrick)

Readings
Luke 2:19
John 19:25

Reflection
Mary, the mother of Jesus in her life and obedience reveals a
passionate life of prayer devoted to God's will, and He chose her to bring the Messiah into the world. Her exhausting journey to Bethlehem, the terrifying flight to Egypt, watching and hearing her son and as an older woman wanting to hold her precious, dying Son in her arms portrays a life journey - a life dedicated and devoted to God.

“To love Jesus, to live for Jesus, to suffer for Him, to make him known and loved by all hearts, to consecrate to Him every motion of her own heart, that was Mary’s desire.” St Peter Julian Eymard.
“Bitter and sweet” the moment of grace as she held her child. I can imagine the scene - Mary and Jesus together and Joseph, the skilled carpenter walking to the feeding trough rocking it in its rickety unstable state; “never trust nails son. Never trust nails”. - Bitter and Sweet.

Prayer
God, you showed the world the splendour of your glory
in the coming of Christ born of the Virgin.
Give to us true faith and love to celebrate the mystery of God made man.
Give us grace to remember the full of extent of your sacrifice for it is bitter and sweet. Amen

Further Prayers
We pray for those who are caught up with news of joy and news of sorrow.