# Second Day – The Announcement to Joseph
*2015-12-16*

> Bill Young reflects on the Gospel reading about the angel’s announcement to Joseph and leads a Christmas novena prayer, preparing hearts for the coming of Christ.

## The Gospel Reading

In today’s Gospel from Matthew 1:18‑21 we hear how Jesus came to be born. Mary, betrothed to Joseph, was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit before they lived together. Joseph, a righteous man who wanted to spare Mary disgrace, resolved to divorce her quietly. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

## Prayer for the Advent Season

Our Lord God, grant that we may await with great fervor the divine event in which the Blessed Virgin, by the work of the Holy Spirit, gives birth to God and Christ, our Lord and Savior, who reigns forever. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Closing Blessing

May the peace of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you now and always, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.

*May our hearts be filled with the same awe and trust that Joseph showed when the angel announced the Incarnation.*