THIS SUNDAY’S GOSPEL – Luke 1:39-44 Blessed are you… In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy.

A Short Thought
Twentieth Century industrialist W. J. Cameron once said “there has been only one Christmas. The rest are anniversaries.” It’s a time for keeping the memory of God’s greatest gift alive in our hearts… In recent years many people have expressed concern that Christmas has drifted far from its religious roots. We have also witnessed an attack on religious displays in public places while watching the corporate world hijack the Christmas celebration as an excuse to sell their latest wares. Massive traffic jams, packed shopping malls, and lines stretching around the block have become hallmarks of today’s Christmas activities. Ad campaigns for holiday sales can lead to pandemonium as shoppers are knocked down and trampled in their frantic efforts to buy the latest gadget. However, I suggest this is a good time to reflect upon the distinction between what we want and what we need or what we give instead of what we get. The true value of a gift isn’t necessarily measured by its price tag. In fact some of the most precious gifts cost nothing at all… and can be life changing. Many people simply need to be loved, listened to, or appreciated. Some gifts, such as taking time to listen to someone who is hurting emotionally or giving a word of encouragement, can make a tremendous difference in a person’s life and bring joy to the giver. This holiday season consider how our community would be affected if everyone looked for opportunities to give someone a life-changing gift for Christmas. As Helen Steiner Rice wrote; “Bless us Lord, this Christmas, with quietness of mind; teach us to be patient and always to be kind.” May we receive this most precious of gifts ourselves and be that gift for others! (Adapted from: Christmas; A Time for Joy, Reflection, Reverence and Tradition by D. GARY DAVIS)

SOME POINTERS FOR PRAYER

1. What a wonderful encounter: two women, bound by kinship, both bearing sons, both blest by the Lord. How affirming to Mary that the revelation made to her, is understood by her kinswoman. Do I have someone with whom I can share what God is doing in my life? Can others share their news with me? 2. Blessed are you – YOU ARE BLESSED! Do you let yourself believe this, really feel this? 3. In what ways has the Lord visited you, your family, and your community? How are you asked to be
the ‘Christ-bearer’ to others? 4. In life do I always appreciate what is happening and who is really present? 5. What is this gospel challenging you to do, to be?

Prayer –

Lord, this Christmas, let my heart be touched by your gift of love and my life be your witness. My I know that I am truly blessed and that you, through my life, can bring blessings to others. With joy, expectation and confidence, I pray, ‘Come Lord Jesus Come.’ I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

Prayer in these uncertain times We pray for all those in our country and throughout the world suffering from the Corona Virus. May its victims and their families be strengthened by the support of our community of faith and restored soon to full health. We also pray for our leaders and medical personnel who deal with the virus. May we keep calm and may we join together in solidarity with care and compassion to tackle this emergency. This we ask in confidence through Christ Our Lord. Amen