Reparation Thoughts Volume XXIII, Number 1
Dear Donnès of Reparation, Family and Friends,
Christmas is close at hand! Our goal throughout Advent was to have a proper gift to give the Christ Child on his Birthday. I tried to place a peaceful, meaningful, directive plan into my Advent days, however, time and circumstances disrupted much of that plan. Still, I moved forward in my effort. The life-gift that I will have looks much different than my original plan because I set the pace and God designed the journey.
It is at times like this that the Stations help guide my reparation call. Of course, we always have the Stations of the Cross available in our churches and Houses of Worship. However, the Stations of Christmas seem most appropriate during these special days. Through the hustle and bustle of natural days, it is a comfort to move spiritually into the true events we are to consider.
You are quite familiar with these events so, let us share just the prayers that are used as we spiritually journey into this holy time.
The journey opens with this prayer: Lord Jesus, the miracle of Your Nativity has inspired Christians for generations. Inspire us now with the beautiful story of Your Birth. Help us to clear our minds of the concerns of the day and fill us with the peace and hope of Advent.
1st Station, the Annunciation, the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary and asks her to be the Mother of the Redeemer—Heavenly Father, just as Mary accepted life-changing challenges when she opened herself to Your call, so I know I may have to do the same. Help me to remember her courage and be comforted in it.
2nd Station, the Visitation, Mary travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is to give birth to John—May I never lose heart. I know that if I but do Your will, You will give me strength and the means to carry it out. And should I waver in my faith, may I be strengthened by the signs and miracles, large and small, You provide along the way.
3rd Station, Joseph’s Vision, An angel comes to Joseph in a dream to reassure him—Lord, many times we are alone in our decision to accept Your will. Even family and friends may turn away. Remind us that we are never alone and give us faith that You will always help us to carry out Your Will.
4th Station, The Journey, Rome has ordered a census and they must travel to Bethlehem to register—Father, at times we are surprised by the twists and turns in life. Give us the patience of the Holy Family to realize that no matter where our lives lead, You will be waiting at the end of our journey.
5th Station, Arrival in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary search for lodging but no one has room—Holy God, disappointments are so hard. We cannot understand why we must endure hardship, even when we try to do Your Will, or why favor seems to go to those less deserving. Help us to remember that even our disappointments can serve to give You glory.
6th Station, The Manger, An innkeeper tells them of a stable where they are welcome to stay—Loving Father, may we always be open to Your kindness. Help us to accept our gifts at face value, to realize that You always give us what is best for us. May we be grateful for the gifts given in Your love.
7th Station, The Nativity, Mary faces alone the Birth of the Son of God—Holy Lord, as we sit in awe of Your Blessed Nativity, we are shaken by the wonder of Your glory and Your meekness. Having so humbled Yourself, help us not to be caught up in our own importance. Remind us of the great things that are accomplished when we are perfectly submissive to Your will.
8th Station, The Heavenly Choir, The night sky is filled with glorious angels who reassure the shepherds—Father, the splendor of Your glory is beyond us. What can we possibly give You that approaches it? May we always be willing to give our all, just as the shepherds abandoned their worldly possessions to seek the Christ-Child.
9th Station, The Shepherd’s Visit, Joseph receives shepherds asking to see the baby—Dear Father, often I want only to be left alone, but the world floods in. My life is awash with distractions. Help me to remember that my purpose in this life is not to center upon myself but to look outward and proclaim the Word of Your Son’s Holy Mission.
10th Station, The Star, Seeing a star and researching ancient writings, men of the East leave with gifts for the new King—Lord of all, the star of Bethlehem teaches us that Your Word and Your Love have no limits. As the Maji searched the night sky for a sign they did not fully understand, so I search patiently for those times You come into my life and give me direction.
11th Station, The Epiphany, These foreign travelers arrive, offer their gifts and worship the Newborn King—Holy God, as the Maji humbled themselves before You, may I always do the same. May I also be willing to spread Your Word to peoples of all lands. For all people, great and small, are humbled in Your Presence.
The Christmas Stations close with this prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this time together. Just as the Father used Mary to bring You into this world, help us to use this time to bring Your message into this world. May we never forget the love You have for all of us, and may we never forget to share that love with others as You shared Yourself with us. Amen.
Let us worship and praise God for descending to the lowliness of earth that we might be saved! He knew of our captivity and our loss of life through the sin of our first parents. Only God Himself could release our bondage. Only God Himself has sufficient love to bring salvation to all humankind. Are we ready to return to Him at least a little love for the greatness of His Love for us.
Let us proclaim this message to all the earth—in all the places of our own personal world.
Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Glory to God in the Highest----and peace to all of good will! Blessed Christmas!
Mother Mary of the Angels, SR
December 2023
Sisters of Reparation of the Sacred Wounds of Jesus
2120 SE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97214-5504
503-236-4207
This publication is made possible by the generosity of Donnès of Reparation
