Jesus in the temple at Passover
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom.
Jesus grew up within a family who participated in the rituals of worship, within a religious community. We can imagine that their religious observances were more than just obeying laws and following rules. We can imagine that their faith was rooted in the love of God and neighbor.
In our families, in our culture, many of us don't take time for daily family rituals of prayer and devotion. For some of some, church participation is spotty or so routine that it has lost its meaning. Advent can be a time to recover some of the spirit of Love that infusing the Christmas season and the whole of life with meaning.
In "Singing Mary's Song" John Stroman puts it this way:
"Christmas Eve services have grown in popularity, and in some churches more
people attend worship on Christmas Eve than on Easter. Since Christmas is a
time for families to gather, many attend Christmas Eve services as a group. Many
of these services blend a celebration of the Eucharist and traditional Christmas
music with the high energy of contemporary worship. When we celebrate
Communion, we participate as a part of the covenant community, expressing
sacramental love."
Reflection Questions for Friday, Week Three
Take time for quiet reflection. Respond to the questions below by writing in your journal or quietly reflecting.
- What are your family rituals? How can you invite God into the midst of these rituals?
- Imagine the Advent story in a world of cell phones, Internet, and text messages. How can we recover the intimacy of a family traveling together, earthy shepherds kneeling in the stable, the beauty of a bright star?
- Pray for those in your covenant community, the group (large or small) that celebrates with you, prays with you, and loves you unconditionally.
Prayer for Friday, Week Three
Lord, as we leave your table, grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit to give ourselves for others. Amen.
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