The December 15, 2020, Reflection – A time of love, warmth, prayer and joy!
A time of love, warmth, prayer and joy! December 15, 2020 Christmas Novena, Day 1 Dear Family of Mary! Today the parish of Medjugorje begins a Novena before Christmas! Each day the parish will climb Apparition Hill, praying the Rosary. Mary TV will stream this event, live, each day, at 2:00 pm Medjugorje time. You can join in on our Channel at www.marytv.tv Each day I will write a short reflection on a line from Our Lady’s November 25, 2020 message. There are nine sentences!! Shall we begin! “Dear children! This is a time of love, warmth, prayer and joy…” (November 25, 2020) When Our Lady first gave us this message, I was struck with how odd this declaration sounded! In the midst of Covid, lock downs, isolation, loneliness, and fear, how could she say that? And yet, she was right! This is the time of love, warmth, prayer, and joy! Why? Because this is God’s time! And God is Lord of Heaven and Earth! He is in charge of all time! And He is the God who loves us unconditionally, who’s heart is on fire with love for us, who comes to us in prayer, and who’s Spirit transmits joy! This is God’s time! Advent tells us that we have everything to live for! The answer to all our needs, hopes, desires, and longings is about to be born in a stable to a Virgin! Our hope is not in vain. Jesus, our Savior is coming! I found a lovely Litany of our Lady of Hope, which gives us so much to ponder as we wait this Advent. Our Lady is the Woman of Hope! She can teach us how to live in expectation of the coming of the Lord. She is our Mother, our Light, our Sweetness, and our Hope! May we be filled with the love, warmth, prayer, and joy that Our Lady announces, through the graces she can procure for us today! Let us pray: Litany of Our Lady of Hope (Pontmain) (Also known as Our Lady of Pontmain) Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Response for the following: Pray for us. Our Lady of hope Our Lady of the way Our Lady of light Fullness of Israel Dawn of the new world Mother of God Mother of the liberating Messiah Mother of the redeemed Mother of all people Our Lady of hope Virgin of silence Virgin who listens Virgin who sings Servant of the Lord Servant of the Word Servant of the redemption Servant of the kingdom Our Lady of hope, light up our way. Response for the following: Pray for us. Disciple of Christ Witness of the gospel Sister of humanity Beginning of the Church Mother of the Church Model of the Church Image of the Church Our Lady of hope Mary, blessed among women Mary, dignity of women Mary, greatness of women Woman faithful in waiting Woman faithful in her task Woman faithful in discipleship Woman faithful to the cross Our Lady of hope First fruit of Easter Splendor of Pentecost Star of evangelization Shining presence Prayerful presence Welcoming presence Active presence Our Lady of hope, light up our way. Response for the following: Pray for us. Hope of the poor Trust by the humble Strength of the marginalized Relief of the oppressed Defender of the innocent Courage of the persecuted Comforter of the exiled Our Lady of hope Voice of freedom Voice of communion Voice of peace Sign of God’s maternal aspect Sign of the Father’s nearness Sign of the Son’s mercy Sign of the Spirit’s fruitfulness Our Lady of hope Christ, Savior of history Christ, Savior of humanity Christ, Hope of creation Let us Pray: Almighty and eternal God, the blessed Virgin Mary, glorious Mother of your Son, helps and defends all those who call upon her. By her intercession may we be strong in faith, steady in hope, and persevere in your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! Cathy Nolan ©Mary TV 2020