By Laura Kizior
During Advent and Christmas, we meditate on the Joyful Mysteries of the rosary as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. The birth of Christ and the events leading up to our Savior’s entrance into the world are of utmost importance for salvation history.
These events also tell a compelling story about the respect for all human beings, especially preborn humans. Here are short pro-life meditations you can add to the family rosary during Advent to remember the specific wondrous moments surrounding Jesus’ birth and early life:
The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
Read Luke 1:26-38
Mary is frightened when the Angel Gabriel first visits her, yet she readily responds with a resounding “Yes” to God’s request, even when she cannot fully understand it. How often do we follow our own wishes and desires because we are afraid to trust in God’s plan? Mary waited with patience for the fulfilment of God’s promises. As we gaze on the empty manger, let us diligently prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the newborn king.
The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
Read Luke 1:39-56
As Mary greets her cousin Elizabeth, St. John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth’s womb, signalling to Elizabeth that this meeting is very special. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth declares her belief that Mary is the Mother of God.
Responding with humility and grace, Mary speaks her Magnificat, giving the glory and praise back to God. As we work to save the lives of innocent preborn babies, let us always remember to give God praise for blessing us with wisdom and courage to speak the truth.
The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus
Read Luke 2:1-20
The birth of Jesus was a spectacular event. Angels announced His birth from the heavens, shepherds came to worship Him as their king, and even Wise Men from the east came to pay Him homage. Christ’s birth was a great gift to the world, and we must remember that every human being is a gift from God and deserves to be defended and protected from creation until death.
The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation of Jesus
Read Luke 2:22-40
When Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the temple, they do so in order to consecrate Him to God. Through this act of offering their son, Mary and Joseph recognize that every child is a gift from God.
Simeon and Anna also recognize the sacred time of celebration and joy following the birth of Jesus, as well as the time of sorrow and grief during His passion and death. Like Simeon and Anna, let us remember to celebrate the sacred feast of Christmas with joy and thanksgiving—and to let this joy fill each and every day.
The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus
Read Luke 2:41-52
When Mary and Joseph discover that Jesus is missing from the caravan, they search for Him for three days. They finally discover Jesus in a temple, speaking with great wisdom and understanding with the teachers. Any parent who has lost a child—even for a short time in a park or shopping mall—knows the worry and anxiety that Mary and Joseph felt when they could not find their son.
As we build a culture of life in our own communities, let us remember to comfort the parents and families of children who have been lost through abortion, miscarriage, or other tragedy.
Laura Kizior is a content developer for American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program, which stresses the culture of life as an integral part of every academic discipline. CLSP is dedicated to helping students become effective communicators of the pro-life message. Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to see how we can help you foster a culture of life at home and in school.
image: Leahcim Nhoj via Flickr | CC-2.0
