O God, give me inner knowledge of you who became human for me so that I might better love and follow you.
Option 1:
Reflection: The word “incarnation” comes from a Latin term meaning embodied in flesh. It refers to God becoming a human being, taking on flesh and bone in the second Person of the Trinity, Jesus. Ponder the “Incarnation Contemplation”
Option 2:
Reading: “Reflecting on Art for the Soul”
Art Reflection: Contemplate Henry Ossawa Tanner’s painting “The Annunciation”—the scene where Gabriel appears to Mary (Luke 1:26-56).
Option 3:
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Reflection: As you read the Scriptures, enter the story with your senses. What do you hear, see, taste, touch, smell? Imagine Mary and Joseph packing for the trip in Nazareth, the road to Bethlehem, the place of the nativity, conversations. Notice the humility of the situation. How is it that Christ “was born in the greatest poverty; and after so many difficulties–of hunger, of thirst, of heat and cold, of injuries and affronts–he died on the Cross; and all this for me” (SE 116)? Talk with God as you reflect on this.
Option 4:
Reflection: Spend some time meditating on the words of “O Holy Night”. What words, phrases, or images stand out to you the most? Talk with God about it. Afterward, sing the song as worship.
Option 5:
Scripture: Philippians 2:6-11
Option 6:
Scripture: John 1:1-18
Song: “O Come All Ye Faithful” (see lyrics here)
Reflection: As you read this Scriptural passage and contemplate/sing the song, what emotions or thoughts do you experience? Is there an integration between the heart and mind as you reflect on these materials in the Second Week? If so, what specific things stir you? If not, what might that be about?
Reviewing the Week:
Look back on past week. What stands out to you the most as you have prayed and reflected on the Incarnation? Talk with God about your reflections.