Stations of the Nativity. Raymond Chapman

      It is the love of a father who knows when it is

      time to give and when to withhold.

      It is the compassion that reveals itself when we

      are ready and open to receive it.

      Centuries of our time passed until time and place

      were ready together.

      Time passed in Jerusalem, the holy city, the

      chosen place,

      where the sacrifices were offered and the

      covenant kept,

      where the prophets were stoned and the

      covenant broken.

      But always the patience of love, waiting itself to

      follow the way of suffering.

      Waiting with God is not time lost but time of

      being truly alive.

      Speech is silent as the wonder is revealed.

       Patient God, turn my anxiety and anger intopatience.

       Unchanging God, turn my restlessness into quietand constancy.

       Faithful God, turn my doubts and fears intoassurance.

       Please, show me when to speak and when to listen.

      2

      Annunciation

V	We adore thee O Christ and we bless thee.
R	Because by thy wonderful Nativity thou hast given us new birth.

       The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’

      (Luke 2: part of verses 26–37)

      In the Old Testament narratives angels are sent to make known a great work that God is about to perform. The births of Isaac and of Samson are announced in this way. Now the angel Gabriel comes to a young woman in a small town to tell her of the most wonderful birth in all history. After her first alarm and incredulity, she calmly believes and accepts the will of God.

       We give thanks for the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our pattern of purity, humility and absolute trust. As she knew by the message of an angel that she would be the mother of the Incarnate Son of God, give us grace to hear your word and follow your call, whether it be to little or great work in your service.