The Church Compass
First Week of Advent 2017
The Church accompanies us on our journey through life, through the seasons of the year and within the changing circumstances of our daily lives. The following themes can serve as a guide along this path. It can can be used individually, as a family or in groups.
Remember: What are the images, sights and sounds you notice as you drive around a city or town, or visit stores during this holiday season? What are the some of your favorite memories?
Read: Luke 1:26-38 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.
32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High;
and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,
33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever;
and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” 35 And the angel said to her,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;
therefore the child to be born will be called holy,
the Son of God.
36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Reflect: God entered into our world in the most intimate, personal and the most vulnerable way humanly possible - being conceived through the divine power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary, allowing Himself to be formed and nurtured within her for the nine months of pregnancy.
Review: From Mary’s perspective, what would have been the most difficult part of this divine event to understand? 1. That she was, from the very beginning of her own existence, full of grace. 2. She was pregnant and still a virgin. 3. What kind of child her baby was. 4. How to explain her pregnancy to Joseph, her family and friends.
Respond: From your own perspective, how did you come to know about Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary? 1. It happened all of a sudden. 2. It happened over time. 3. I’m still getting to know about Him. 4. I know “about” Him more than I really know Him personally. 4. I talk to others about Him.
