1 DEC
December 23
The Gift of Expectancy :
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”
Isaiah 9:6
Reflection
Bible readings at this time give us a sense of surprise, before God’s unexpected promise. David gets the news of an everlasting covenant between God and his house. Isaiah prophesies David’s offspring Immanuel, God with us. Matthew gives us Emmanuel, with God truly with us in Jesus.
In 2 Samuel 7, David prays sitting before God after the news. Not as one king sitting before another. He is bowled over, he is humbled. ‘Who am I, O Lord Yahweh and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?’
God’s gift meant humility for Mary too. Matthew labours the point with the Magi that this Emmanuel is found in poverty and danger, not in a palace. We too, God’s poor, sit with her in astonishment before God’s gift of himself. ‘Who am I, my God and my all?’ Most astonishing of all is the “great humility” of God himself. Our poverty and danger is his own.
Let the surprise gift of God humble us. In what unexpected ways is God working in your life to draw you into his humility, his giving himself to us?
Ted Ardis TSSF
Ireland European Province
Reflective Action
SPEND TIME
Pick or display local flowers, create a handmade decoration, or offer a small act of beauty in your home or church, in solidarity with the brothers of Haruro.
Write a message of hope or peace (perhaps a few lines inspired by your walk) and share it with someone outside your usual circle.
Franciscan Quote
“What wonderful majesty! What stupendous condescension! That the Lord of the whole universe should humble Himself like this under the form of a little bread, for our salvation.”
St. Francis of Assisi
Prayer
God of islands and cities,
Of muddy tracks
and blooming flowers,
Teach us to carry
your peace with our feet,
To sing your hope
with our voices,
And to share your light
wherever we go.
CULTURAL insight
Papua New Guinea
Christmas in Papua New Guinea is a world away from snowy Europe. It’s hot, humid, and often raining. Lush vegetation and tropical flowers surround us, though you might also spot a plastic tree or two from the local Chinese shops.
At the friary in Haruro, the chapel is strewn with freshly picked flowers for Midnight Mass, shared with neighbours and brothers. On Christmas Day, we celebrate with whatever we can afford—or harvest from the garden.
Two Advents ago, we launched our peace and justice awareness programme in Oro Province, beginning in the settlements around Popondetta. These areas are home to migrants without land or local ties and are often linked with unrest. Our message was one of peace, reconciliation, and belonging.
In this land, the Incarnation takes root in song, community, and courageous witness. We may not have snow or candles, but we have hymns, flowers, and the Gospel shared among neighbours.
Brother Christopher John SSF
Minister General, First Order Brothers
The Threshold of Arrival
“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations.”
Isaiah 9:6
developmental markers
week 34
In the womb
- 45 cm (17.7 in), 2.1–2.2 kg (4.7–5 lbs);
- most internal systems are developed;
- baby responds clearly to light and sound;
- skin smoother and body rounder
in the mother
- stronger pelvic pressure and frequent movement; emotional mix of anticipation, anxiety, and awe;
- final preparations may begin
reflection
Mary carries the Christ Child closer to birth with every breath.
The hidden life within her is nearly ready: alert, esponsive, and reaching toward the world beyond the womb.
Her body feels the pressure, the shifting weight, and the anticipation of what is to come.
This is no longer just a season of carrying, but of preparing to release.
Mary’s womb, once a shelter of hidden growth, is becoming a passage into the world.
She is the one who will offer Him, first to the arms of Simeon in the temple, and then to the world.
We, too, are invited to carry light not for ourselves alone, but to let it go, trusting God with the offering.
wonderings:
I wonder how Mary prepared her heart to release the One she had carried so long.
I wonder how I am being invited to offer something I have nurtured in love.
Journaling Prompts
If you keep an Advent Journal, here are some ideas you could write about;
Who Am I…?”
The shepherds and magi are called to sit before the mystery of God’s gift with open hands and astonished hearts.
Ask yourself: Where has God surprised me recently? What gift have I received that I didn’t expect – or even ask for?
In what area of my life is God drawing me into greater humility, trust, or love?
Write a short prayer or reflection:
“Who am I, O Lord, that you have brought me this far…?”
Let your response be honest, expectant, and full of wonder.
December 1, 2025
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