Prayer to Begin Advent

O Blessed Mary and dearest Joseph, allow me to journey with you to Bethlehem. I am a lowly pilgrim making my way to the center of history, the center of the universe: the birth of Christ the Lord. With unspeakable awe and expectant wonder, I long to behold the promised Messiah. Time will stand still, forever divided by the entry of the Creator into His creation. What joy to my eyes to see His adorable face. What joy to my ears to hear His soft cries. My heart is overcome with delight to see the splendor of God now truly alive in human flesh. For by God’s infinite humility and kindness we now know Emmanuel, God with us.

This dear infant at rest in a feeding trough will become the food for mankind, redeeming the world and nourishing each soul that receives Him. Both shepherd and lamb recognize Him as one of their own. For this Child will lead many into the green pastures of deathless Paradise by becoming the slain Shepherd, the sacrificial Lamb of God.

By the light of a great star above, I see His precious eyes begin to open. He who is Light from Light now sees with eyes of flesh that star’s gentle lumen. My heart is prostrate before Him and I have but one sorrow: I am poor, bereft of fitting treasures for this newborn King. And so, I lay before Him the gift of my life, though even that be His own gift to me. O sweet Christ, Author of Life, accept my heart as gift born of gift. O Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom. Amen.

Prayer by Pedro de la Cruz, www.CatholicPrayerCards.org