Letter from the Pastor
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December 17, 2023Today the deep purple gives way to rose, wreaths with bows now adorn the Church, purple and rose-colored flowers adorn the Advent wreath.
Advent is a penitential season, not as strict as Lent. Yet the Advent Penance grows brighter and more hopeful in tone as Christmas nears. The readings at Mass began with the prophecies of the end of the world, then last week and this week St. John the Baptist’s call to repentance, and finally to the coming of the Savior. It’s a season of anticipation, of hope that God keeps His promises. It is a season of love, peace and then joy of the Saviors’ birth.
The Advent prayers and chants give us a voice in reflecting on God’s past wondrous deeds to save His people. Advent is a deep meditation on salvation history and God’s future coming. With today’s date, the emphasis of Advent changes. Now we can turn our immediate attention to preparing for Christmas.
One of the ways to enter into the last 8 days is by reflecting on the “O Antiphons.” It can be for us a mini retreat. The "O" Antiphons accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer since at least the eighth century. They are a splendid theology that uses ancient biblical imagery of the Messiah drawn from the hopes of the Old Testament prophets.
Many videos or recordings of the chants in English or Latin are available on the Internet; just type in
“O Antiphon chants.” Take your pick.
The following are the O Antiphons, for the particular day, pray and think about the words, take 5 minutes before your busy day begins, and reflect on the titles of God, and His Only Begotten Son given to us on Christmas. Have a blessed Advent’s last days!
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 Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
Don’t forget to come to Lessons and Carols today at 3:00PM, with a food and Christmas cheer celebration following in Toner Hall. Short readings from the Bible telling the story of Salvation History, and then we get to sing Christmas Carols and hear our magnificent choir singing beautiful Christmas music.
