2008_advent 4_What Child is This? Joy

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What Child is this? guided contemplations for advent using art, photography and scripture

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fourth sunday of advent, 21 december contemplating Jesus as Joy

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Entering into prayer... Put aside your cares and slowly settle yourself into the quiet. Sense God’s loving presence. Rest in God’s love. Allow yourself to be moved by God in this prayer.

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Begin by repeating these phrases in your heart slowly... Allow the meaning of each word to sink into you more deeply: Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Come and be our joy!

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Let us reflect on the joys of friendship

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understand and console us... Good friends...

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Happiness is possible... by frantisek staud They bring us smiles and laughter...

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They challenge us to become better... to be more ourselves... by G8

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How much richer are we for our friends...

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With good friends, we can be... free... happy... at peace...

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Do your friendships give you freedom, happiness, peace? Are you seeking a friendship that gives all these and true joy too? Share with the Lord from the depths of your heart...

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We now invite you to reflect on The JOY Jesus is

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Take some time to gaze at this scene. Allow yourself to rest in it. … Who or what am I drawn to most? Why? adoration of the magi by correggio

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I wonder…what had happened?… what is happening?... what will happen next?... There is much movement in the scene.

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I sense their joy... I rest in their joy… The Three Wise Men are coming eagerly to see Jesus.

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If you were in the painting, how would you feel about meeting Jesus? Why? …

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Holy Family with lamb by Raphael, 1507 I take a careful look at the scene, and what I really see is… Now, share with God your feelings and thoughts about coming to Jesus this Christmas…

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Holy Family with lamb by Raphael, 1507 I take a careful look at the scene, and what I really see is… Jesus is the Joy of every longing heart…

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"I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father." John 15:15b For through Him, God reaches out to us, again, in friendship…

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Let us now welcome, Jesus, our FRIEND and JOY, into our lives

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Throughout Advent we have spiritually prepared ourselves … Christmas is very near… and our hearts beat faster… Yes, let us rejoice for Jesus is coming as friend and Saviour!

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Jesus is the fullest Joy… Spend some time to reflect on: “How is Jesus the fullest Joy to me?” How is this friendship Good News? Why?” “To whom should I announce this Good News to this Christmas?” Now, celebrate Jesus’ friendship in your life.

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End by speaking to the Lord: “Jesus, You are truly the fullest Joy. Teach me to receive the Joy You bring. Then, show me how to share this Joy with my friends. Though we are a people walking in darkness, we know there will be light when you come. And so, we say, Come, Lord, Jesus! Come and be our Joy!” Glory be to the Father…

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Our Advent prayer is now ended. May your remaining days of Advent preparation be filled with hope, peace and love so that you can joyfully greet Jesus this Christmas. ©adrian.danker.sj, 2008