For each Canticle we will study over the course of Advent (the Canticle of Mary, the Magnificat; The canticle of Zechariah, the Benedictus; The canticle of the angels, the Gloria; and The canticle of Simeon, the Nunc Dimittis; we will follow the four “movements” of the Lectio Divina method of spiritual reading of Scripture, first developed by Benedict of Nursia (480 – 547) and later followed by Benedictine Monks and by all who seek to benefit from a prayerful reading of God’s Word. These four “movements” are: Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest.  As you follow along with us, please keep in mind that we begin slowly, with a prayerful reading looking at what stands out to us and listening for the “still, small voice of God” to speak personally to us; then with some prayerful reflection on what God is saying to us about our beliefs and desires; then our prayerful response to what he is calling us to do for ourselves and for the life of the world; and finally the The Lectio Divina process ends resting quietly in God’s arms. No words are necessary at this point. God’s Word has focused us on Christ’s indwelling presence.  So we simply stay there with Christ in love, joy, and peace. We’re tasting the Lord’s goodness (Psalm 34:8).