1. Thoughts to Think
a. What is the Dogma of Immaculate Conception of Mary?
This Dogma was promulgated in 1854 by Pope Pius IX’s solemn declaration, “Ineffabilis Deus.”
The Dogma states:
“The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of Her Conception, by a singular Grace and privilege of Almighty God and by Virtue of the Merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.
In simple words:
All human beings are born with original sin.
>> Because of this, there is a tendency towards sin from the first moment of our conception.
Mary was however granted an extraordinary privilege to be “conceived without sin”…
… because of Her unique role in history as the Mother of Jesus, True God and True Man
2. Pointers to Ponder
a. The Immaculate Conception of Mary is a pointer to God’s Beautiful Plan of Salvation
>> God’s Plans in our lives are always beautiful, though they appear mysterious and weird at times…
… Do we still trust that “God’s Plans in life are the always the best?”
b. The Immaculate Conception of Mary is a pointer to the Infinite Power and Wisdom of God
>> God has complete control over everything – our past, our present, our future…
… Are we ready to entrust our lives – completely – to the Infinite Power of God?
3. Connecting to Christmas: The Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath is usually, made of various evergreens, with four candles – 3 purple and 1 pink- representing the passage of the Four Weeks of Advent, and often a Fifth Candle, white in colour.
>> The Evergreens – symbolize life and freshness while the Prickly leaves remind us of the thorns of Christ
>> The Circle of the Wreath shows the infinity of God and the purple Candles signify the cardinal virtues of faith, love and hope.
>> The Pink Candle – lit on the Third Sunday of Advent called as the Gaudate Sunday – symbolizes joy while the White Candle represents Christ, who is to be the Light of our life.
The Advent Wreath is a reminder that even in the midst of “prickly leaves of sin”…
… we are called forth to trust in the Infinite Power of God and allow our lives to shine forth as candles with Jesus at the centre of our life!
4. Actions to Achieve – Enumerating two or three practical points for life
a. Spend at least 5 minutes every day, to thank God for His numerous blessings in our life
b. At the start of every day, offer all the plans and activities to the Infinite Power of God and seek for His Guidance!
Let us hold Mamma’s Hands and learn from Her, as we pray:
“Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus…
… Be born in me, this Christmas!”
God Bless! Live Jesus!
