10 th December, 2006

2 nd Sunday of Advent - Year C

S: Good morning - today we continue our preparations for Christmas and our theme revolves around reconciliation and forgiveness.

B: Today the second purple candle on the Advent Wreath is lit which represents John the Baptist and our word of life refers to him “a voice cries in the wilderness, prepare a way for the Lord.”

S: You know Brenda; a while back I read a letter that gave some food for thought about our Crib at Christmas. The letter suggested that for this Christmas maybe we should think about putting a different baby figure in the Crib - a figure that might represent all the asylum seekers and refugees who have come to live among us - and I thought what an interesting idea and one that would serve to remind us that we welcome Jesus in everyone at Christmas.

B: This weekend really marks the beginning of Christmas, attending Carol and Reconciliation services and generally getting ready for the celebration of Christmas. And now that we have passed the 8 th of December, a day which has been traditionally the time for Christmas shopping and putting up decorations in our homes, I guess the preparations have begun in earnest.

S: And of course, there will be a number of events happening in your local parish, among these the Christmas Reconciliation service. This morning I have a lovely reflection for you called “The Crib” by Laura Keating from Croagh

Every year at Christmas time I put my Crib together.

It is a special time for me, as I remember all who have meant so much to me in life.

I say a special prayer for those I love who are still around,

And cry a little tear for those who are not with me now.

I thank the Lord for the many blessings He has bestowed on me

For loving folks like you, and others close to me.

I might not always be in their favour but they are never far away

Because they are always in my heart and never far apart.

I guess I can’t explain why I find the Crib so special. Does anyone have an idea?

But I know that God will always love folks just like you and me.

B: You’ve been listening to “Just a thought” with Brenda Cribbin...

S: and Seamus Madigan. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at Henry Street. You can also download your own copy of this reflection by clicking on limerickdiocese.org

B: We look forward to your company again next week, so take care...

S & B: Bye

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