From the Newman University campus and the reflective hearts of generous persons, you are invited to journey with the greater Newman family in preparing for Christmas. Each week, new reflections will be shared for each day of the week. Blessings and a peaceful journey.
Be a living Amen to God’s love. Walk the Advent preparation with a more conscious awareness of God’s coming into each day.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Scripture readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12
Reflection video with Steven Nguyen ‘21
Monday, Dec. 5
Reflection by Gerry Killeen ’69, Board of Trustees member:
In just 20 days, we will all celebrate the joyous and holy anniversary of the birth of Christ. Especially in these unsettling times, Isaiah’s words reflect, for me, the kind of “everlasting joy and gladness” we should all hope for, as we approach Dec. 25th.
Isaiah’s words of “seeing the glory of the Lord” hold the promise of better days to come … of hope for a new time of peace and prosperity, where “no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray” and “sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” What a blessed Christmas gift that would be for us all.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
Reflection by John Veal ‘78:
Perhaps due in part to Handel’s Messiah, Isaiah 40:1-11 is one of the most memorable passages in that prophetic book. It promises comfort and hope, not just to the Jews of the Babylonian exile but to all persons: “The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people shall see it together.”
It is a vision of radical, all-inclusive divine love, a vision Jesus will live out again and again in his ministry. It comforts, but it also challenges: can I truly embrace all others I encounter, see the hand of God upon them, not just tolerate but truly love them? That is my challenge if I am to help “prepare the way of the Lord” during Advent and all other seasons of my life.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
Reflection by Patricia Hammon – SHA ‘67:
I was given beautiful, powerful and comforting words for reflection. The more times I read the passages from Isaiah and Matthew, the more comfort I feel. How exciting that our Everlasting God offers us rest and hope, telling us to put aside our fears and worries. God assures us of His care as He invites us to trust and follow Him. It seems simple, doesn’t it?
Thursday, Dec. 8 — Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
Reflections by Dr. Lori Steiner, Professor of Mathematics:
While our Blessed Virgin Mother was conceived without original sin, she was human. She experienced fear, pain and loss and yet also experienced true joy. Mary was troubled hearing the words of the Angel Gabriel, only to rejoice in knowing that she will bear within her the Incarnate Word. Mary gave birth in a cave but rejoiced in being able to hold our Lord in her arms. Mary experienced deep loss at the death of her son our Lord, only to rejoice in His resurrection. May we offer up our own fear, pain, and loss so that we too may experience true joy in Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Friday, Dec. 9
Reflection by Richard Klinge ‘71:
Although Advent is pregnant with hope and anticipation, it is not a time for passivity. If we have accepted Jesus’ invitation to come after Him and share His life, we must intentionally go where He goes and meet whom Jesus meets, be they Jew or Gentile, poor or rich, old or young, gay or straight, immigrant or nativist. It is only then that our words, reinforced by our actions, can and will become the net that we cast which invites and encourages those unknown others, with whom we find ourselves in communion, to also accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and to experience with us the joy and promise of Advent.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Reflection by Cindy Miles ’09, president of the National Alumni Board:
We are being called by God to listen closely as He speaks so that we may have a better understanding of his vision. Practicing faith requires commitment, patience and humbleness. When following God’s vision for us, we must not seek praise for doing good but give the glory to God. If we get caught up in our own self-righteousness, it may lead us to turning away from God and walking a path of our own human will. We should always seek God’s guidance.
Find all Advent Reflection Series
From the Newman campus and the reflective hearts of generous persons, you are invited to journey with the greater Newman family in preparing for Christmas. A new reflection will be shared for each day of the week. Blessings and a peaceful journey.
