for today

This was posted as the intro to the prayer for today at http://www.sacredspace.ie (thanks to Pastor Glenn at Fully Devoted for pointing me to the site).

"The Sunday papers fill this gloomy month with thoughts of the festive season ahead. Six weeks before the birth, Mary must have been as much preoccupied with thoughts of Christmas as the retailers who weary us with countdowns. Joseph was watching her health and activity, trying to temper life's demands on her. Mary grew more and more interior, as expectant mothers do, identifying with the baby-in-waiting, full of hope, and in Mary's case with a sense of being part of a plan beyond her imagining. Lord, do not forget this tiny planet. We still need a Saviour, and the hope that he brings. I do not require the glitzy offerings of the hucksters, but I want to be part of your redemptive plan for the world."

Amen.