Advent is fast approaching. Though I love Advent, I have always struggled with the traditional style of Advent reflections. I’m turning this year instead to The Liturgical Year by Prosper Guéranger: Mary’s immense happiness upon holding in her arms the Word who was made Flesh, her Son and the Son of God, on the sacred night of his birth surpassed even the immense joy when she had been overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and received from Him the divine fruit of her womb. During the nine months when Jesus was undividedly hers, what must have been her preparation?

Christians! Your Communions during Advent prepare you for your Christmas joy, by giving you something of the delight which Mary felt before the birth of Jesus. Yes, Jesus, you are coming to me, you who entered into Mary’s virginal womb, making it the sanctuary of your Majesty. You had prepared her, from her conception, with every grace, so that you had but to leave one heaven for another. Alas, my soul is weak in faith. I bow down my whole being before you, using your Mother’s blessed words: ‘May it be done to me according to your word. (see The Liturgical Year 94-95)

Image credit: Sebastián Ycaza