Christmas–Cycle A
December 25, 2013
“…the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not over come it.”
(John 1:5)
WELCOME
Jesus,
Splendor of God,
Wonder of Love,
Bright Flame,
Leaping from celestial heights
Impregnating whitened wax of woman,
To issue forth as LIGHT,
Piercing earthly darkness,
Refulgence, flickering in your dance of joy,
Delighted to be among us!
WELCOME!
For Reflection and Sharing:
- How do the candles symbolize both Mary and Jesus?
- What properties of fire may also symbolize their lives?
- Sit quietly before a lit candle and let the Spirit speak to you through the words of the poem.
Sister Juliemarie McDonald joined the Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio in 1951. She holds an MA in English Studies from John Carroll University MA in Scripture from St. Charles Seminary. After 32 years of teaching classes ranging from first grade to college level, she then became a researcher, campus minister, director of religious education and a pastoral minister in Mease Hospital in Dunedin, Florida. In her semi-retirement, Sister Juliemarie writes reflections and faith sharing sessions for the young sisters in formation in Africa, Philippines, Korea, India and the USA. Her spare time is spent as a crafter.
The Sisters of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio, belong to an international congregation of more than two thousand apostolic women religious. We are one in mind and one in heart for the transformation of the world in Christ.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Juliemarie; MANY thanks- our Internet finally back up after our Icestorm. you have a wonderful gift of words! Hope you had a Blessed Christmas—Have wonderful new Year! Love and prayers Anitra
Anitra, may your New Year be filled many graces and blessing. Jm
Thank you for the Welcome poem.
Kathleen, you are WELCOME. You are today’s candle flame. Keep burning in your loving service. Jm