Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet

December 17, 2011Third Saturday of AdventJacob that father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her wasborn Jesus who is called Christ. Matthew. 1:16Upon first reading today’s Gospel about the genealogy of JesusChrist, I wanted to say, “Who cares?” I mean obviously it is importantto know that Jesus can be traced back to Abraham, butwho wants to sit through a whole reading of the ancestors of Jesus?But upon further reflection, I realized that it is not necessarily importantwho the ancestors of Jesus are, but rather that He had ancestors.Jesus was human. He too had a family, just as we havefamilies. Just as we have families who annoy one another, supportone another, and love one another unconditionally, so too did Jesus!Beyond our own individual families, the Gospel reading today remindsus that we are all one family. Under God our Father, we areall brothers and sisters. During this Advent Season, let us remember,pray for, and be thankful for our biological and spiritual familymembers.Dear Lord, we thank You for both the biological and spiritual families Youhave provided for us. We ask that during this holiday season that we rememberthat family is a blessing, despite differences and stresses. We ask that You blessthose in our families for whom we are concerned and ask that You give ushearts to accept and appreciate those brothers and sisters with whom we haveproblems. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenCourtney SahmClass of 2012English MajorCommunications Minor