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| Wise men seek HIM+... |
ADVENT MEDITATIONS 2012
~ ~ ~ The All-Encompassing GOD ~ ~ ~
Luke 1:26-55
Meditation 2
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
David, in Hebrew, means "beloved." Mary, however, is really "Mariam" --- which has its Hebrew root in bitterness and grief. Some say "strength." Joseph's name means "add." Strange, yes?
The birth-mother of Our LORD carried the identity of Bitter Grief while she carried the HOLY CHILD JESUS in her womb.
Even though Mariam was of the house and lineage of David, the beloved, The LORD appointed to this Hebrew virgin a name which would encompass strong bitterness and grief, as the Prophet Simeon told her in the Temple after the CHRIST CHILD was born.
The LORD graciously "added" a protection to this Hebrew virgin, appointing Joseph as a GOWRA (from the Aramaic text which means "a male guardian"), to protect Mariam and the Holy Child JESUS Whom+ she carried under her heart, in her womb.
Marrying "Bitterness and Grief" was Joseph's Appointed Cup... as he became The LORD'S Appointed guardian over his little, divine family.
MEDITATION:
O GOD, Who+ encircles those suffering in bitter grief in Thy+ tender, Nail-Scarred Hands... take the bitterness and grief of my soul's regrets unto THEE+.
And when my cup is Bitter again, send forth unto me a spirit of gentle submission... like the submissive spirit of gentle Mariam... even in the midst of the Cup of Grief THOU+ hast chosen for me.
I thank THEE, O HOLY FATHER, for sending Thy Gentle SON+ Who+ obediently drank the Cup of Bitterness for the good of Mankind ... for the good of me.
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