Theme: Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of the Savior. Mary, the Mother of God, waits patiently for the birth of her Son and Savior, Jesus Christ to Whom she has given her life.

Grace: I pray for the grace of Marian surrender and anticipation of the Savior during this holy Advent and Christmas season.

Mary Immaculate
“Pure as the snow,” we say, Ah! never flake
Fell through the air one-tenth as fair as
Mary’s soul was made for Christ’s dear sake.
Virgin Immaculate,
The whitest whiteness of the Alpine snows,
Beside thy stainless spirit, dusky grows,
“Pure as the stars.” Ah! never lovely night
Wore in its diadem So pure a gem
As that which fills the ages with its light.
Virgin Immaculate,
The peerless splendors of thy soul by far
Outshine the glow of heaven’s serenest star.
                                   ~Eleanor C. Donnelly
For Reflection:
Dear Mother, You were kept free from the stain of original sin so the Word of God could make His abode in you. Today, on this feast which celebrates your Immaculate Conception, I ask you to obtain for me the grace I need to resist sin and to live for Christ alone (NAME THE SIN MOST DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO RESIST AND ANY OTHER FAILING OF WHICH YOU ARE AWARE). Be the mother of my soul, Mary. Nurture me in your tender heart. Take my hand and lead me to your Son. Amen.