Day 26: Mary Hidden in Advent-The Birth of Christ

The Nativity, Giotto

Day 24:  The Birth of Christ

     Read The Jesse Tree 81-83.  You might want to finish up with pp.92-93, or you could read the last few stories between Christmas and Epiphany.  Hang ornament (baby Jesus).
     The Messiah is born in a stable in Bethlehem.  Shepherds come to worship Him.

     Scripture reference:  Luke 2:8-20

     Comment:  Here in a cold stable in Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to Jesus.  She becomes the Mother of Christ and the Mother of God.  She is our mother, too, because we are the adopted sons and daughter of God in Christ, and Jesus is our brother.  She will be called blessed by all generations.

NOTE:  The summary chart of all these posts will be up after Christmas, at which time I will also re-organize and re-number the posts to have include the extra lessons (to allow for a longer Advent season). If you wanted to print them out, that would be the best time to do it.  Have a blessed and joyful Feast of the Nativity!

Related Title: Mary, Mother of God

Theotokos

   Let, then, the life of Mary be as it were virginity itself, set forth in a likeness from which, as in a mirror, the appearance of chastity and the form of virtue is reflected.  From this you may take your pattern of life, showing, as an example, the clear rules of virtue:  what you have to correct, to effect, and to hold fast. The first thing which kindles ardour in  learning is the greatness of the teacher.  What is greater than the Mother of God? --St. Ambrose

 Sub Tuum

We fly to thy patronage,
O holy Mother of God;
despise not our petitions in our necessities,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

(3rd Century; Oldest Known Prayer to Mary)

Have a holy and blessed Christmas!