Prayers - The path to empowerment, intimacy and peace
A) Joyful Mysteries
The Annunciation
The Visitation
Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-20 | Galatians 4:1-7 | Daniel 2 | Micah 5:2-5
1 In those days, a decree was issued by Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken throughout the entire world. 2 This was the first such registration, and it took place when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone traveled to his own town to be enrolled. 4 Joseph therefore went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the nearby countryside there were shepherds living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock throughout the night. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terror-stricken, 10 but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy for all the people. 11 For this day in the city of David there has been born to you a Savior who is Christ, the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to all those on whom his favor rests.” 15 After the angels had departed from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Come, let us go to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And so they set off in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 When they saw the child, they recounted the message that had been told them about him. 18 All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 As for Mary, she treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told. *(NCB)
Pick any one Reflection below for Meditating this Decade:
A) WISDOM-A SPIRITUAL VIEWPOINT [Read verses 1-7 above] At first glance, it appears as if God did not provide well for the Holy Family. Often, the physical eye is unable to perceive the spiritual reality. Mary may not have had a comfortable bed to deliver the Son of God. Yet in that manger, she possessed all the care and love showered upon her by Joseph. And they in turn poured out their love unto Jesus. In doing so, the family possessed all that they needed and more. How many families have all the material comforts, yet lack the love for God and that for each other in their lives.
Meditation: Let us pray for love and joy in families, especially for the unborn child in danger of being aborted. We pray that they may be given a chance to experience a happy family life.
B) [You may use the above reflections or when praying as a family or group come up with your own! Have one family member read a part or the entire scriptural passage above that strikes them (1 or 2 verses is just fine). Listen with an open heart as this person shares his/her thoughts or insights. A family praying the rosary together is a graced-filled way to foster spiritual growth and bonding together.]
Presentation at the Temple
Finding of our Lord Jesus
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