FOURTH MONDAY OF ADVENT

 DECEMBER 23

“‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’” Lk. 2:9-14

Reflection: The shepherds live on the fringe of Israelite society, but it doesn’t matter. The heavens explode with splendor as countless angels proclaim the glorious news - He is here! The time has finally come!

Prayer: God our Father, fill us with the awe of the shepherds standing in the blinding light of heaven coming to earth. May we come and adore him at all times. Amen.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 22

"Behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’” Matt. 2:1-2

Reflection: The Kings arrive as witnesses to the wonderful truth – the Savior comes into the world not merely for the Children of Israel, but for all men, women and children throughout the world. He is coming to restore all of humanity to God.

Prayer: God our Father, the Wise Men come from the distant corners of the Persian Empire to worship the newborn king. Help us to make the effort of travelling far from our own comfort to present ourselves to the Messiah. Amen.

THIRD SATURDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 21

"So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David.” Lk. 2:3-4

Reflection: How fitting indeed – the Son of God, the Son of Man who will one day reveal that he is the “Bread of Life,” the true manna come down from heaven, is destined to be born in Bethlehem, the “House of Bread.”

Prayer: God our Father, the moment has nearly arrived! Fill our hearts until they overflow with joy over the coming of Your Son. Amen.

THIRD FRIDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 20

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” Matt. 1:22-24

Reflection: Joseph knows that the child is not his by the natural order. But when the angel tells him of God’s plan, Joseph brings Mary and her growing child into his house, which by the ancient law made them instantly members of his “house”, the line of David.

Prayer: God our Father, take away every one of our fears. Give us the confidence you gave St. Joseph by the message of the angel, and remove all of our doubt. Amen.

THIRD THURSDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 19

“Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 'Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.'”  Lk. 1:41-45

Reflection: The moment Mary discovers she’s with child, she travels to Judea to be with her relative Elizabeth. The Blessed Mother is always thinking of others, filled with the love of the God who now dwells in her womb – the new Ark of the Covenant.

Prayer: God our Father, may we, like Mary, place others before ourselves always. Amen.

THIRD WEDNESDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 18

"Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Lk. 1:30-33

Reflection: Mary accepts the angel Gabriel’s annunciation with her “fiat,” her yes. She is the handmaiden of the Lord, the example of all that is good and holy. God makes His own mother, and He makes her perfect.

Prayer: God our Father, we thank you for Our Blessed Mother’s “yes” to Your invitation to be the mother of Your Son. May we joyfully receive You in the wombs of our hearts and minds as she received you in these as well as her body. Amen.

THIRD TUESDAY OF ADVENT

DECEMBER 17

"But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathaha least among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.” Mic. 5:1

Reflection: It is not in Jerusalem that the stage is set for the coming of the Messiah, but in the little towns of Bethlehem of Judea and Nazareth in Galilee. Joseph, a simple carpenter, and Mary, a girl of about 14 years will be the earthly parents of the promised King of Kings.

Prayer: God our Father, after generations of men and women who, at best, followed you imperfectly, you bring forth Joseph and Mary – our wonderful examples of love and devotion to You. Show us how to ask for their unending intercession in our journey of faith. Amen.