PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM

As you "prepare the way of the Lord, and make straight His paths" on your pilgrimage to Bethlehem this Advent, consider returning to a deeply spiritual approach by taking on some of these external and spiritual practices. 

EXTERNAL PRACTICES: 

• Keep your feet very still, whether sitting or standing, to honor the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem. 
  
• Take less at meals one day to honor the poverty of the Holy Family. 
• Don't wear an extra coat or sweater; offer up the cold to honor the cold of the stable at Bethlehem. 
• Practice humility by not speaking of yourself to honor the silence of Mary. 
• At each hour of the day, recollect yourself by saying "Come, Lord Jesus!" 

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES: 

• Make a special sacrifice of all your duties throughout one day to honor the shepherds who first adored Christ. 
• Visit the Blessed Sacrament to honor Mary and Joseph's vigil by the cradle of Jesus. 
• Say an extra Rosary contemplating the Joyful Mysteries. 
• Read the Collect from the Mass of the past Sunday of Advent. 
• Make an effort to go to Mass and receive Holy Communion during the week, to honor the Wise Men who sought out Christ. 
• Make a point to always say "Merry Christmas" -- never "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings," to be courageous and take a stand for Christ. 
• Send Christmas cards that picture the Nativity, not candy canes and puppy dogs. 

TAGS: Reflection