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Christmas is coming...
The air is thick with expectation. We enter this story with awe and hope. Just like Mary and Elizabeth, what we anticipate is being formed within us. We are preparing for God's presence among us. The mystery of God clothed in helpless human flesh is at the heart of our faith. Like Mary, we must humbly receive his presence and salvation.
The "O" Antiphons
Many Western Christian traditions make use of the "O" antiphons during this final week of Advent. These prayers, or congregational responsorials, are recited beginning on December 17. Each prayer addresses God using different names like "O Radiant Dawn" and "O Wisdom." The Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" contains words from each of the "O" antiphons. The tradition of singing and reciting these prayers has been with the church for well over 1500 years.
17 December: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
18 December: O Adonai (O Lord)
19 December: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
20 December: O Clavis David (O Key of David)
21 December: O Oriens (O Dayspring)
22 December: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
23 December: O Emmanuel (O With Us is God)
Los Posadas
Hispanic cultures in Mexico and the USA take time this week to re-enact the story of Mary and Joseph as they search for lodging and a place to give birth. A couple may dress up and go door to door in their neighborhood asking for a place to board for the night. They knock on the door and are then turned away after requesting posada ...a place to stay. This drama ends at a home designated to let them inside. Upon entering, carols are sung and the story is read from the Bible. Sorrow begins to turn to joy, even as all are reminded that the Savior was turned away before his birth.
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"Blush my soul, when today you see
that God has become your relative in Mary."
-Catherine of Sienna
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Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved....
Commentary on Psalm 80
Augustine, Calvin, Spurgeon,
John Paul II
Audio
Psalm 80, Micah 5,
Hebrews 10, Luke 1
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