Would you like to join me in walking to Bethlehem this year with Mary?

I'm sure that there are those of you reading this who have spent Advent before reflecting on Mary's life and journey as the mother of Jesus, but I have to admit, I haven't.  I've wanted to, seen the devotionals available to me, thought about it, but never took that step to do it.

Until this year.  It's been on my mind and heart for awhile and I'd like to invite you to join me. I want to spend this Advent learning more about Mary so that I can come to know Jesus deeper.  I want to reflect on how she experienced the angel Gabriel speaking to her, inviting her into the Divine plan of redemption and salvation.  I want to go with her in haste to her cousin Elizabeth's home.  I want to go through Scripture with her and Zechariah to try to understand what all of it means.  I want to accompany her with Joseph to Bethlehem and see the Christ Child in the manger.  I want to sit in the Holy Family's presence and adore this baby, in all of His wonder.

Over the next four weeks, I hope that you'll join me in learning more about Mary and her "fiat".  In talking to some people who are special to me in my faith journey and hearing their ideas and answers to my questions, it is my prayer that our questions and thoughts may be yours, too, and that we can grow together in faith and understanding.  We will let Scripture guide us as well as a beautiful book, The World's First Love, by Venerable Fulton Sheen.

You can find a free PDF version of his book here.  Our first episode is available now and it was a gift to welcome Br. Jakub to our home to talk about the Annunciation.

In our youth catechetical program, we have also invited all of our families to join us in praying the Rosary and to focus on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.  We have prepared a guide with very short meditations and would love for you to be praying with us, too:

May your Advent season, one so pregnant with excitement and anticipation, be one of growth, hope, peace, joy and love.

In Him through her,

Angela