O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Dear John,

As we get closer to Christmas, I hope you are able to make time for Eucharistic adoration and contemplation of our Savior’s imminent birth. Here are today’s readings:

First reading: Zephaniah 3:14–18a

Psalm: Isaiah 12:2–6

Second reading: Philippians 4:4–7

Gospel: Luke 3:10–18

Today is Gaudete Sunday – meaning “Rejoice”. The theme in these verses: “The Lord your God is in your midst” (Zephaniah), “Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah), “The Lord is near” (Philippians) is reason to rejoice indeed!

While God has always been close to His creation and His people, the thought that Emmanuel, “God with us”, would condescend to take on the human condition and literally live as one of us is reason for a great celebration at His birth!

Leading up to this joyful event, the last week of Advent brings the ancient O Antiphons to the Liturgy of the Hours, the universal prayer of the Church. Each day’s antiphon petitions Jesus to “come” to us. Here they are for you to pray, contemplate and enjoy throughout this week:

December 17: O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18: O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19: O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

December 20: O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21: O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

December 22: O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

May God continue to bless you on your Advent journey,

Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, MFVA

EWTN Global Catholic Network

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