Advent prayer 8
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart full of expectation on this the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mary was prepared to carry our Lord being preserved from original sin …. Mary’s preparation continued in her waiting…. without an expression or words of fear….
Father, I picture your daughter Mary … my beloved Mother … waiting to receive the message of an Angel and then receiving it with joy and wonder, waiting to tell Joseph of the child to be born, waiting to see her cousin Elizabeth, whose child would then jump in her womb at her greeting, being sanctified to herald Jesus’ coming. There was so much waiting, yet she never complained, doubted, or sought the answers to what was next. She was not afraid.
Mary waited, over and over, watching for the Shepherds who would be the first to greet her newborn Son and for the three Kings, who would lay down precious gifts. She waited for her Savior - my Savior - the Savior of all mankind, to be born in a lowly manger in a cave in Bethlehem. She paused, watched, and prepared. Once more, Father, I learn from my blessed Mother. She did it all perfectly, patiently and trusted in your plan. Fear was not present, but love. Love bridged the gap between what she did not know and trusting you. You would not fail her, or me, or anyone.
Mary’s waiting often makes me think about what you are asking of me … this time of quieting, of preparing my heart and mind to receive the gift of your Son, waiting for the day he will come into this world. It is hard to wait!
Father, in this waiting time, I admit my heart seeks answers. There are so many trials and difficulties, like lost loved ones, situations I can’t understand, and why there is sickness and death. I know the answers may not come. I know I have to hold to the faith that you know all, see all and will love me through it all. Help me to empty my hardened heart. I can’t do it - but know you can. Help me not to seek answers but trust more and worry less. Help my faith grow like a mustard seed.
I need you, Father. Please give me a new heart filled with peace, joy, and hope at Christmas. Let it swell with your love, fresh and alive like the smell of a newly cut Christmas tree and joyful like laughter and children playing. I pray, Father, that you answer my prayers if they be in accordance with your divine will. I ask, seek, and knock for answers. But you know best. As our beautiful Immaculate Mother Mary said, Fiat, may your will be done.
Come, Lord Jesus.