My heart is so full of joy and gratitude for this Christmas. There is something very special about this year"s Christmas. I can sence it like the faint glow on the horizon just as night is ending. Ask for a huge present from Our Lord this Christmas! Rejoice!
I agree NSD. It was a fairly wretched Advent because of health issues but a kind of joy has been bubbling up inside me yesterday and today and a sense that the darkness is less dark. Not just the passing of the solstice but the spiritual darkness is less dark. Just a feeling. I've been listening to Frances Hogan all day as I get ready for tomorrow. She is doing a thorough study of the Gospel of John. It just blows me away. It washes through me--the absolute glory of Christ. The Face of God in Christ. The Logos. I've never heard or read any study on this gospel that unlocks it like she does reaching back to the OT and going forward. She is brilliant. It is like being on a mini retreat.
Thank you for this. In the middle of the night the baby in my belly was keeping me awake kicking away and I got to spend some quality time with Mary, praying and looking forward with her to Christmas. It was very special.
There is a book on John's gospel I have, can't remember the author now. It's based on the premise that John's view of Christ must have been based on all the conversations he had with Our Lady in the years she lived with him. It seems to make perfect sense when you think about it.
I have heard that said about the Gospel of Luke because of all the accounts in Luke that had to come from Mary.... Here is an article by UDayton on the subject... https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/g/gospel-of-luke-mary-in-the.php
I was just thinking how I had such a poor Advent and was coming to the Crib with empty hands, no gifts. But still God buried me with great graces on Christmas Eve. He reminds me He is Master in His own House. Thank you baby Jesus. I had nothing to bring you, but you emptied heaven for me.
Someone forwarded this one to me, I thought it was pretty good... Hi guys, just wanted to take a minute to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy year, most of all good health! These days people don't spend much time or thought on some personal words to their friends and family, they just copy and paste some random message and send it on. So after all we've been though together this year I want to thank you for your friendship and wish you a happy and fulfilling 2018 - you’re the best gymnastics group anyone could ask for. Best wishes, Helen
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus ex Maria Virgine, gaudete! Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born of the Virgin Mary, rejoice! The Nativity by Federico Barocci (1597)
1Peter 1v6-9 This is a great joy to you, even though for a short time yet you must bear all sorts of trials; so that the worth of your faith, more valuable than gold, which is perishable even if it has been tested ny fire, may be proved - to your praise and glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed. You have not seen Him yet you love Him; and still without seeing him you believe in Him and are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described and you are sure of the goal of your faith, that is, the salvation of your souls.
