Welcome! As you set aside time each day for Advent prayer we invite you to use this approach, which works well for individuals and groups of all ages.

Light a candle. Pause to remember the presence of God filling you with Light and Love.

Pray this Opening Prayer:

Radiant Creator, awaken me to your presence.
Jesus, Light of all Lights, kindle love in my heart.
Spirit of Illumination, guide my path today.

Advent Reflection for the Day

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Revelation 12:1

The Book of Revelation is full of images, poems and jarring scenes. One passage describes a woman clothed with the brilliance of the sun. The moon glows beneath her feet, and a circle of twelve stars surrounds her head. Church tradition attributes the description as a reference to Mary, mother of Jesus. Theologians refer to her as Theotokos, a Greek word meaning God-Bearer and one who is radiant from head to toe with light. 

Perhaps you’ve seen paintings and statues depicting Mary. Some of this art uses the imagery of stars and light to convey her divine radiance– to make clear she is a “God-Bearer.” But other art is simple and humble– showing Mary in the ordinary clothing of the artist’s culture. Both types of art show something important for Mary was both the one who birthed God in human form and an ordinary person like you and me.

The clothes of Mary in folk art preach the visual message that Jesus (Immanuel, God with us) comes to the world through the common ways of humble humanity.

In short. We are now bearers of the Christ-Light. Granted, we do not hold the flesh and blood of Jesus in our womb as the pregnant Mary. Yet, we carry the Spirit of the Risen Christ in the sacredness of our souls. 

Like the historical Mary our radiance is hidden in the clothing and movements of our everyday existence. No matter who you are, you bring the peace and presence of Christ to the scenes and settings of your ordinary life.

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Set your intention for the day. Say: Today I will be aware of how I am a God-bearer, no matter how ordinary my life might seem.

Pray this Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you are the Everlasting Light.
Help me to bring your love everywhere I go.
Fill me with Light this Advent
that all my life will reflect you.
Shine through me so that that everyone I meet today
would feel your presence in my spirit.
Let them look and see, not just me, but you,
Light of all Lights, Shining through me. Amen

As you blow out the candle and the flame vanishes, remember you have divine light within you that will never go out. You take the light of Christ with you wherever you are.

Together on the Journey,

Katie Martinez