4th December 2005
Second Sunday of Advent, Year B

S: Good morning
Well the Christmas Spirit is certainly getting under way and on this the second Sunday of Advent our word of life comes from Mark’s Gospel 'Prepare a way for the Lord.'

B: These are words of John the Baptist who was out in the desert foretelling the coming of Jesus and telling people to prepare for this, and these words are still with us today to remind us that we still have to prepare for the coming of Jesus.

S: This week traditionally marks the beginning of the frenzied buying for Christmas - though I’m sure some of it has well started already.

B: Oh don’t talk to me about shopping, but I guess a lot of the preparation for Christmas is about to get under way, but we still have to remember what Christmas is all about - of course we have to enjoy all the parties and festivities but remember this is also a special family time.

S: And there may also be special events on in your Church in preparation for Christmas - sure, why not go along - or you might just take a little time everyday - walking home from school or college, going to the shops or driving the car - to say a little prayer.

B: Whatever it is this a lovely time of year and do try to make it extra special. This morning we have the second of our 4 Advent prayers called 'Prepare the Way'

Lord God,
may the light of this wreath be a sign of hope
to all people who prepare for your coming.
Let the truth of your Word lead us all
toward your kingdom for which we long.

Lord, my heart is hard. It is desert weeping for water,
rock needing rain. And now it hears this voice!
Too wonderful for words the hope it engenders.
I can marvel at the feats of modern engineering,
but I gasp in silent amazement at what you, Lord,
do in the bleak places of my life.

May we your people,
who prepare a way for the Lord,
experience the joy of salvation
and celebrate the feast of Christ
with love and thanksgiving. Amen.

S: You’ve been listening to Just a thought with Seamus Madigan

B: and Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at 66 O’ Connell Street or by e-mailing smadigan@limerickdiocese.org. If you would like your own copy of this reflection you can download it by clicking on limerickdiocese.org

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

S& B: Byeeeeee……

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