Through prayer we start, to set apart, the sacred time, for Christ’s new chart.
The five Joyful Mysteries, the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Birth of Christ, the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple, and the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple outline the whole story of Christ’s birth in the world as man and God and the central role played by our blessed Mother Mary in God’s overall plan.
As we pray the Joyful Mysteries we reflect on the marvel and miracle of Christ’s birth. In the Annunciation, Our Lady accepts with great humility mingled with perplexity and fear God’s plan for her to be the mother of God announced to her by the Archangel Gabriel. She knew well the stigma that would be attached to an unwed mother but she gave up her own youthful hopes and dreams in obedience to God’s will. During the Visitation of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth who is with child, Elizabeth shows much love and support of her cousin. Her child leaps with joy in her womb at the arrival of the future Mother of Christ. The third Joyful Mystery, the birth of Christ allows one to reflect on all the facets of Christ’s humble birth, including the fears and uncertainties but great faith in God’s providence shown by the parents, Mary and Joseph.
The coming of Christ brings us all a new way of life which enables us to become detached from what the world has on offer to see and experience the joys and mysterious ways of the Lord that lead to life, fulfilment and peace. In obedience to the laws of Moses, Jesus is presented in the temple during the fourth Joyful Mystery. During the final and fifth Joyful Mystery, Jesus is lost to his parents who persevere in their search for him amidst great anguish and consternation, eventually finding him in the Temple going about His Father’s business.
The Rosary offers a complete and succinct way to reflect on the whole of the Christmas story without the need to refer to literature or commit anything to memory. It is always on the beads at the tips of our fingers.
Dr.Lucille Carling Chambers, MD
Burlington. ON
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