Posted on 11/27/2010 8:29:20 PM PST by Salvation
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 Week 3: Wednesday Turn to Me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other! (Isaiah 45:22) Reflection We need to be reminded, just like the Israelite people in the desert who built a golden calf, that it is God who is God, not the idols we create. It seems that times are more subtle now. People melting down their jewelry to fashion an idol in a public place is not a common sight in our day. But we do, as a people, flock to certain places and events as if they were important: television sets, soap operas, celebrities. Do I live my day-to-day life as if a supernatural being is my God? Or do I live as if some earthly pleasure or diversion is? Where is my energy expended? Where is my time spent? Where do I turn? Advent Action Think of some possession you have that you can give away to the poor. Give to the Catholic Relief Fund or to some other charity. Prayer Lord, help me turn to You and let nothing take me from You, for You alone are my God. |
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Week 3: Thursday Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be shaken My love shall never leave you nor My covenant of peace be shaken, says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10) Reflection Sometimes we take God’s promises for granted. We have listened to them so many times that their meaning makes no impact on us. But consider: "Though the mountains leave their place…" God’s love is so steadfast, there is no event that could diminish it. There is no action on our part by which He would consider us unworthy. Have we shared this good news with anyone lately? Advent Action Send a get well card to someone in the hospital. Pray for those affected by war. Prayer Lord, Your wondrous good news of unshakable love for me, leaves me comforted and at peace. |
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Week 3: Friday All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with the 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 commanded him and took his wife into his home. (Matthew 1:22-24) Reflection Joseph’s commitment to Mary and to the child in her womb caused confusion and pain. He was a devout and honorable man, determined to do what was right. He trusted what he heard God say in his dream and obeyed the command of the angel. Advent Action If you haven’t already done so, put up a crèche or some other symbol to remind you of the coming feast. Prayer O come, O come, great Lord of Might, Who to your tribes on Sinai’s height In ancient times one gave the Law In cloud and majesty and awe. |
Today is Day Two of the Christmas Novena.
December 17: Genesis 3:14-20; Romans 5:12-21
Praising the Names of Jesus: The Antiphons of Advent
O Sapienta/O Wisdom
Oops
O Sapientia/O Wisdom
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Week 3: Saturday But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of (the) Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers toward children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare people fit for the Lord." (Luke 1:13-17) Reflection Luke tells the beautiful story of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. Have I "prepared the way" in the heart of a loved one or acquaintance for Jesus’ coming? Have I been a "John?" Advent Action In a card or letter, tell someone how much you care for them. Let them know they are loved by you – and God. Prayer O come, O Rod of Jesse’s stem, From every foe deliver them That trust your mighty power to save: And give them victory o’er the grave. |
Today is Day Three of the Christmas Novena.
Day Two of the O Amtiphons
O Adonai
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Week 4: Sunday Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14) Reflection Sometimes the signs God gives are unmistakable. Sometimes the signs are not so obvious. What signs do we see when we look around us? Sometimes it is hard to see God’s signs because the signs of our world are so ever present and large. How many times this month have you seen this sign: "ONLY 20 (or 18, or 10, or 6 or…) MORE SHOPPING DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS." Do we ever stop to think, "How many praying days left until Christmas?" Prayer for the Advent Wreath Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. Advent Action Look around you for a sign of God’s presence. When you find it, share it with someone. Prayer O come, O Key of David, come And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. |
Today is Day Four of the Christmas Novena.
Praising the Names of Jesus: The Antiphons of Advent
O Radix Jesse
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December 20 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, Reflection What should Christians look like to the world in which we live? How could other people know by our words and actions that we are followers of Christ? What should make us distinctive and stand out from non-Christians? How can we be the light of the world and the salt of the earth as our Lord says we should be? Advent Action If we are to teach by example, make plans to teach someone during the Holiday season. A child or friend could learn by your actions. Prayer Lord, clarify my vision that I may see You in others and sense You within my own soul. |
Today is Day Five of the Christmas Novena.
Fourth Day of the O Antiphons — O Clavis David
O Key of David
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December 21 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. (Zephaniah 3:17) Reflection The reading from Zephaniah expresses in poetic language the boundless love God has for each of us. In some translations the words say "God will exult over you!" It is surely God’s desire that someday we will all be with Him in heaven. No matter what happened before, God is ready each moment to show us this love. The words of Zephaniah and our celebration of Christmas should bring us to a deeper awareness of how profound is God’s love for us. Advent Action Send a get-well card to someone in the hospital. Prayer O come, O Dayspring from on high And cheer us by your drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadow put to flight. |
Day Five of the O Antiphons — O Oriens
O Radiant Dawn or O Dayspring
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December 21 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. (Zephaniah 3:17) Reflection The reading from Zephaniah expresses in poetic language the boundless love God has for each of us. In some translations the words say "God will exult over you!" It is surely God’s desire that someday we will all be with Him in heaven. No matter what happened before, God is ready each moment to show us this love. The words of Zephaniah and our celebration of Christmas should bring us to a deeper awareness of how profound is God’s love for us. Advent Action Send a get-well card to someone in the hospital. Prayer O come, O Dayspring from on high And cheer us by your drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadow put to flight. |
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