I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy…
A childhood song I recall echos the joy of knowing Jesus, having him in my heart, and, is the essence of Christmas joy.
A Christmas version:
God Bless 💕🙏
I offer this post to Marianna, may her journey in her new phase in her life be blessed. Amen
“May we be in this world a ray of that light which shone forth from Bethlehem, bringing joy and peace to the hearts of all men and women.” – Pope Francis
The second candle on the Advent wreath represents Peace. Like the first candle, it is also purple. Often called the “Bethlehem Candle,” the second Advent candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. Building on the meaning of the Prophecy Candle, this second candle recalls that after all of the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth – Jesus is coming, and so is his Kingdom of Peace. As we read in the quote from Pope Francis, this light of peace shone forth from Bethlehem for all the world. This Advent, light the second candle on Sunday, December 4, 2022. (https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/)
As we meditate and reflect on Mary’s journey before the birth of Jesus, I pray we all find peace within our hearts. Peace springs from within each of us. It is this light within us that reaches to the people around us.
God Bless 💕🙏
There is a joy to in the season of Advent as we prepare our hearts and soul to receive God’s gift:
“The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36).“
From: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent
Christmas is a season for active preparation through fasting, reading the Bible, and prayer. It is a time to share with our families and communities the love of God. It is a time to express our resounding joy.
Praying the Joyful Mysteries, allows us to follow Mary’s “Yes” to the birth of Jesus. Through Mary’s eyes, we journey along with her in the faith, hope and joy. Reading scripture (Luke 1:26-56). also allows us to focus our minds and hearts on the true reason for the season – Christ, coming to redeem all of humanity.
https://rosarycenter.org/the-joyful-mysteries-without-distractions
Listening to hymns and carols immerses us in the soulful sound of celebration – we become a part of the heavenly choir:
Finally, I want to repost some thoughts I had as we ended the Year of St. Joseph. Christmas is also his story. Our story is no matter how often we fall or tumble, the light of Jesus lights our path.
https://rejoiceandpraise.ca/2021/12/18/a-light-in-my-path/
God Bless 🙏💕
Being bed ridden is no fun, especially when it also triggers my asthma – so sleep is healing.
My Spiritual Director was not kidding when she once told me that the sick don’t pray or read the Bible. Well, I can honestly say that I just slept and bemoaned feeling like crap. I do recall murmuring Our Father and The Hail Mary.
My capable 16 year old tested me for Covid – 19 – negative. Praise God for his hand in my healing the past few days.
Being sick as the Advent season starts has given me time to reflect on Christ the king in my heart. It has also given me time to reflect on my sins – the chaos I create – gossipy tongue, work related dramas, interpersonal relationships and the mores! I continuously fall short. I am thankful for God’s Divine Mercy. His blood and water to cleanse the stains upon my soul.
I hope to be back on my feet and the first thing I will do is go to morning mass and make a good confession as I head into the Advent Season focused on only Jesus.
This morning I gathered my family and lit the first Advent Candle with this prayer:
Blessing wreath prayer written by the USCCB.
“Lord our God,
we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:
He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,
He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,
He is the Savior of every nation.
Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light
be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.
May He come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.”
I pray for a blessed Advent for each of you and your families 💕🙏 and may the light within us shine out into the world💕🙏
For more information on creating your own unique family Advent:
https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/
Craft Ideas: https://www.blog.elizabethcraftdesigns.com/2022/11/24/advent-calendar/
https://www.elizabethclareblog.com/tag/advent/
God Bless 🙏💕
Be Inspired! 