Dec. 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception has nothing to do with the conception of Jesus. It means that Mary herself was immaculately conceived, without original sin.
The idea is central to the belief in her absolute perfection and purity as the vessel of Christ's incarnation. She is the second Eve who will undo the trouble caused by the first one. She is part of God's plan for the redemption of humanity, and she was there from the beginning.
Magnificat
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded the humility of His handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His Name. And His Mercy is from generation unto generations upon them that fear Him.
He hath shewed might in His arm, He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel, His servant, being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our Fathers, Abraham and His seed forever.
Tonight's dinner plans: Tonight we will prepare an all white meal for dinner symbolizing the purity and the stainlessness of Mary's soul.
Appetizers: White Cheez-Its
Main Course: Rice, chicken breasts with potatoes and cauliflower.
Dessert: White cake with white icing, vanilla ice cream.
Drinks: White grape juice
The Mary candle:
An especially appealing project for this Solemnity of Mary is to make a special candle. This candle can be made by attaching a picture or figure of the Infant Jesus to the base of a large pillar-type candle. You might carve a little niche for a tiny figure in the wax. The figure is then veiled (a piece of cloth fastened with pins) until Christmas Eve, when the veil is removed to reveal the Holy Child. On the Immaculate Conception, and every evening until Christmas Eve, have the children light "Mary's candle" when they say their prayers, and say the Hail Mary, or read with them her prayer, called the Magnificat (above).
Roses for Our Lady:
It would also be appropriate to have children place a rose before a picture or image of the Blessed Virgin Mary on this day.
Special Prayers to be prayed today: