10 December 2019

Notes for "Preparing For Immanuel with Mary: A Guided Meditation": Parish Advent Reflections Evening w/Clergy



Advent Reflections (Deacon Dennis)
I.                     Given the Old Testament (Deacon Juan) & the Challenges of Our Time (Deacon Bobby), let us reflect on the coming of the Messiah Child.
II.                   Isaiah 7:14 “”Therefore, the Lord himself will give you this sign: The Virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.”
III.                 Immanuel: God Is With Us – the divine presence with us
IV.                Close eyes.  Matthew 1:23 – All this came to be to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the Virgin shall be with child…”  Imagine a pregnant Mary.  How does she look?  What do you see?  What do you feel in your heart?
V.                  Luke 1:39-45: Visitation. What do you see?  Like a movie?  Where are you standing?  Who is there?Are you in doors?  Outdoors?  Do you interact with Elizabeth?
VI.                John the Baptist in the womb.  What is Elizabeth’s reaction?  How does this greeting of joy make you feel?  What does it mean?
VII.               Jesus the Immanuel is born.  Mt. 2:4.  Meditation.  Mary.  Joseph. What is happening.  How does the Newborn look in saddling clothes.  A manger is along open box for horses or cattle to eat.  The King is placed here.
VIII.             Place your hands out, as if to hold a newborn.  Finally, Mary and Joseph turn toward you.  Do not be afraid.  How does it look to hold Newborn Jesus?  What are you feeling?  What does it mean?   What is God’s message for you.
IX.                 Now you give Newborn back to Mary.  She smiles at you.  And now it is time to go.    Open your opens. 
X.                   Thank God for encountering Immanuel.  Transition to Fr. Glenn on the Incarnation

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