The document discusses the Advent season as a time of anticipation for the annunciation and nativity of Jesus Christ. It describes scenes from the annunciation as depicted in artworks, including Mary's response to the angel Gabriel that God's word would be fulfilled. It then discusses Mary's visit to Elizabeth, as depicted in other artworks, during which Elizabeth recognizes that Mary and the unborn Jesus are blessed and that John the Baptist leapt in Elizabeth's womb in recognition. The document encourages readers to be open to discerning God's work today as Mary and Elizabeth did long ago.

1. ADVENT: a time of anticipation

2. Anticipation of What?

3. Annunciation and Nativity ChristusPetrus c. 1476

4. The Annunciation Raphael

5. The Annunciation LeSueur

6. How did Mary respond? Ruth Councell The Annunciation “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38

7. Then, Mary went immediately to visit Elizabeth Visitation Giotto c 1266

8. Elizabeth as Prophet: When Elizabeth heard Mary’s arrival, “she was filled with the Holy Spirit” 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

9. The Visitation, Albertinelli 1475

10. Elizabeth Responds 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

11. 1. Recognized that Mary and the child in her womb were blessed

12. 2. Gave the identity of the child

13. 3. Recognized the movement of John within her as a sign from God The nativity with the infant St. John by Piere de Cosimo c. 1500

14. 4. Recognized the blessings of Mary’s faith

15. Would we have the same discernment, if Jesus were in our midst? Cameron Prayer and Praise, 1865

16. HOW WILL WE KNOW GOD’S WORK WHEN WE SEE IT?

17. Our prophetic vision People, look east. The time is nearOf the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.People, look east and sing today:Love, the Guest is on the way.Angels announce with shouts of mirth,Him who brings new life to earth.Set every peak and valley hummingWith the word, the Lord is comingPeople, look east and sing today:Love, the Lord, is on the way. Two verses of a modern carol first published in The Oxford Book of Carols in 1928, by Eleanor Farjeon

18. Prophecy in Our Lives "And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened." (Mark 7:34) -- interpreted for this painting to mean: be open to the Holy Spirit and Its boundless love, and you will be filled with Grace. Rejoice in it!

20. Drew strength from and supported each otherNativity of St. John, 15th C, Hermitage

21. How Can We Be more aware of the works of God in our daily lives? Support each other?

22. What faith inspired their journey?

23. Adoration of the Magi, by Tissot