The Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary | Monday 9 December 2024

Today is Monday the 9th of December, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the 2nd week of Advent.

The Brilliance sings, ‘Mother of God’.

Mary, full of grace
The Lord your God is with thee
Blessed are you to bless all the world
Mary, peace is yours
The Spirit is upon you
You will be with child, do not fear
Mother of God
Your baby boy will grant us peace
Your baby boy will grant us peace
Word made flesh
Born of virgin Mary
Hope is in the world, Emmanuel
The Lamb of God
Born to die, He came
He would show the world a better way
Emmanuel
God with us, God with us
Emmanuel
God with us, God with us
Son of God
Hear Your people calling
All cry out for peace, can you hear?
In our despair
We doubt in Your return
Messiah, will You come once again?
Emmanuel
God with us, God with us




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month 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 virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 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, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ 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. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

Our passage today brings us beautiful, perhaps familiar words; words which bring a sense of anticipation as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. How did you feel as you heard this reading today?

Take a moment now to picture Mary and the Angel Gabriel as they meet. Maybe a famous piece of art or music comes to mind. Enjoy this memory as you take part in the encounter.

Now let your imagination take you to Mary’s home in the town of Nazareth. What is it like to be there?

Turn your gaze towards Mary as she meets with the Angel Gabriel; try to picture her facial expression and countenance as she hears these words: ‘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.’

As you listen to the reading again, notice all the sentences that include the word ‘will’… which announce the promises of God through Gabriel.

Mary replies, “Let it be to me, according to your word.”

Spend a little more time now with Mary. Maybe there is something you would like to say to her, or perhaps you can just quietly savour this moment together.

O Wisdom
Lord and Ruler
Root of Jesse
Key of David
Rising Sun
King of the Nations
Emmanuel
Come, Lord Jesus.