I have the practice of praying mysteries of the rosary that are specific to a need I have or a Feast we are celebrating or an inspiration I have received. They always begin with the Annunciation, my favorite mystery of Jesus and Mary’s life. There is such a comfort to find my life reflected in hers and to allow her to mother me in all the mysteries of my own life.

Here are the mysteries of the rosary I’m praying through the Christmas season. The reflections are from the Song of Songs and the prophets Zephaniah and Isaiah.

The Annunciation
Ah, you are beautiful, my love;
    ah, you are beautiful;
    your eyes are doves.
Ah, you are beautiful, my beloved,
    truly lovely.
(Song of Songs 1:15-16)

The Visitation
Do not fear, O Zion;
    do not let your hands grow weak.
The Lord, your God, is in your midst,
    a warrior who gives victory;
he will rejoice over you with gladness (Zeph 3:16-17)

The Nativity
The voice of my beloved!
    Look, he comes,
leaping upon the mountains,
    bounding over the hills.
(Sg 2:8)

The Shepherds Visit Jesus
Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
    shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
    O daughter of Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,
    he has cast out your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall fear evil no more.
(Zeph 3:14-15)

The Epiphany
 Arise, shine; for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
 Nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Then you shall see and be radiant;
    your heart shall thrill and rejoice,
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
    and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
(Is 60:1, 3, 5, 6)

Image credit: Danny Aliano Rossas, Cathopic