Watching for the Light – Week 2: Mary, Our Humble Handmaid

THIS LIGHT OF MINE – A SING ALONG

• This LIGHT of mine, I need to let it SHINE. This LIGHT of mine, I need to let it SHINE.
• This LIGHT of mine, I need to let it SHINE, let it SHINE, let it SHINE, let it SHINE.

HOPES FOR THE LAST WEEK OF ADVENT

• We have been anticipating and watching for the light – the gift of the Christ child, Jesus
• Representing Christ, we have lit candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

WITH JESUS AS OUR LIGHT – WHO ARE WE CALLED TO BE FOR OTHERS?

• Do we reflect the Light of Christ to others? Is our Christ Light switch ON or OFF?
• My hope is that is our light is always ON – seeking to be a light for others
• What is the Wattage of your light? – A nightlight or 10, 40, 60, or 100 Watt – perhaps a flood light?

DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES-DIFFERENT DEGREES OF LIGHT

• Sometimes a night light or 10 watt – to light a path to prevent stumbling/falling
• Other times a 100 Watt of floodlight to help others through the darkness of loneliness/pain – death of loved one, family struggles, divorce, terminal illness, addictions
• What about those who are discriminated against -feel unworthy and unvalued?
• Bottom line – we need to be a light for each other

THE LIGHT OF MARY – THE GOSPEL

• Humble handmade -pregnant teenager
• Made difficult journey of ninety miles by walking/donkey to see/help Elizabeth
• Mary was Elizabeth’s Beacon of hope
• We need to be like Mary

THE PROPHET MICAH – THE FIRST READING

• Reminds us that the Savior will come from an unimportant little village
• We are never too small or insignificant in our faith to carry the light of Christ within us

TODAY AS WE GATHER AROUND THE WORD AND THE EUCHARIST

• Let’s give a thanks for Mary’s “Yes”
• Let’s pray we can model Mary’s humility
• Let’s pray we spread the gift of Christmas and reflect the Light of Christ
• Let’s bring the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love to others in need

LET’S SING ALONG AGAIN

• This LIGHT of mine, I need to let it SHINE. This LIGHT of mine, I need to let it SHINE.
• This LIGHT of mine, I need to let it SHINE, let it SHINE, let it SHINE, let it SHINE.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

• What impacted you from the readings/homily?
• Which candle of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love) have you connected with the most this season?
• What determines the brightness of your Christ light in any given situation? Your mind? Your heart? Your confidence?
• Share how you encounter Mary as light.

LIVE CONNECTED

Consider your engagements in the weeks ahead. Reflect upon how you want to bring Christ’s light to those you will encounter.