"And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus,
to whom you, O Virgin, gave birth."
Main Reading -- Luke 2:1-20
Reflection Questions
1. Look at a map and find Nazareth and Bethlehem. Think about
the hardships of their journey, especially considering Mary's condition.
Why would they make such a journey? How do you imagine that Joseph
cared for Mary in this journey?
2. What are swaddling clothes? What is the significance
of the birth in the manger? How is it appropriate that the Mother
of the Lord cannot find room in the inn to give birth to the Savior of
the world? (cf. John 1:11)
3. (vv. 11-12) Imagine yourself as one of the shepherds.
How could they hope to find the infant? Would you be impressed by
this sign? What kind of Savior is born in a manger?! What is
the significance of the shepherds with respect to Jesus (consider His titles
and His lineage)?
4 . (v. 14) Where have you heard this before (every Sunday)?
Think about how appropriate a beginning it makes.
5. (v. 15) Who did they recognize was being made known to them?
What strikes you then when you read v. 11?
6. (v.19) What do learn here about Mary? What kind of person
is she? When it says, "all who heard this..." who might "all"
refer to? (cf. also Matthew 2:9-11)
1. Supporting Readings
Day 2 -- Isaiah 9:1-6
Q: Pick out some of the adjectives
that Isaiah uses to a) describe the state of the people before the coming
of the child and then b) after the coming of the child.
Day 3 -- Luke 1:57-80 Q: What are the differences and similarities
between the birth of St. John the Baptist and of Jesus.
Day 4 -- Matthew 1:18-25 Q: What are some similarities and differences
between Matthew and Luke's infancy accounts?
Day 5 -- John 1:1-18
Q: Consider the parallelisms between
Luke's presentation of John and Jesus and John's presentation of John and
Jesus. Consider the similarities in John's mission as expressed in
Zechariah's Canticle and as expressed in the gospel of St. John.
Day 6 -- Micah 5:1-3 Q: In what ways does this prophecy the birth
of the Savior--i.e. what connections can you draw out from this passage
and what you know about Jesus?
