Ignatian-Style Contemplation
Read the Scripture below and become familiar with the story.
Close your eyes and imagine the scene.
What do you see? What do you hear? Are there any smells? How do you feel? Who are you in the scene?
Imagine the story unfolding and be aware of all of your senses.
Let it play out.
What is Jesus telling you through this time of prayer?
Matthew 1:18-25 The Birth of Jesus
Creator: Jaimie Trueblood | Credit: Jaimie Trueblood/newline.wireima
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
What word or phrase stuck out to you?
How can this word or phrase help or guide you in the coming week?