Gathering of 9 December

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The word "Advent" means "Arrival" or the first appearance of something.  We spend this time in prayer to celebrate the first arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into our world for the redemption of humanity's sins.  Mary experienced her first appearance of the Archangel Gabriel who announced that she was to be the Mother of God.  Joseph experienced the dream to inform him of Jesus's pending arrival and that he is to be His earthly father.  Imagine the apprehension and anxiety that Mary and Joseph felt after their angelic encounters.  "Was it real, or was it just my imagination?"  

Our discussion for Advent 2025 focuses on Joseph and his moments of "shock and awe" when he awoke from that dream.  We will do a Lectio Devina from the gospel of Mathew, Chapter 2, verses 18-25.  This is the gospel reading this year for the Fourth Sunday in Advent.

Linked below are the files that we will use:  The Gospel of Mathew -- The Birth of Jesus, Patris Corde - A Father's Heart; chapter 3, "An Obedient Father," Patris Corde Chapter 3 study guide.

We will begin our Gathering at 5:30 pm with the Cor version of a Christmas party dinner, complete with Christmas cookies.

Please download the program for our Gathering linked below.  The program includes the Gospel of Mathew, Chapter 1, verses 18-25, "The Birth of Jesus," an overview of Joseph's "three dreams" that described his task in protecting the Son of God and his obedience to the Father in carrying out his mission, discussion topics on this gospel and Joseph's dreams, and finally, prayers to Saint Joseph, including his Litany and Memorare.