Today marks the culmination of our Advent journey. We look with joy and anticipation toward our celebration of the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us in the mystery of the Incarnation.
Let us Remember
Let us remember our journey as we looked back to the story in the patriarchs, looked into the vision with the prophet Isaiah, looked around for the presence of Christ among us with John the Baptist, and looked ahead to the coming King with Mary.
Let us Encounter
Let us encounter once more the wonder and mystery of the Incarnation found in Mary’s song.
MAGNIFICAT - The Song of Mary
My soul magnifies the Lord, *
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
For he has regarded *
the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from now on, *
all generations will call me blessed;
For he that is mighty has magnified me, *
and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on those who fear him, *
throughout all generations.
He has shown the strength of his arm; *
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has brought down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has exalted the humble and meek.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent empty away.
He, remembering his mercy, has helped his servant Israel, *
as he promised to our fathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
Let us Hope
Let us hope as we follow the shepherds and “go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
Let us Pray
Blessed are you, sovereign Lord, merciful and gentle: to you be praise and glory for ever. Your light has shone in our darkened world through the child-bearing of blessed Mary; grant that we who have seen your glory may daily be renewed in your image and prepared like her for the coming of your Son, who is the Lord and Savior of all. Amen.