ADVENT
PRAYER
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Lord
Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations
for Christmas.
We
who have so much to do seek quiet spaces
to hear your voice each day.
We
who are anxious over many things look
forward to Your coming among us.
We
who are blessed in so many ways long for
the complete joy of Your Kingdom.
We
whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of
Your presence.
We
are Your people, walking in darkness,
yet seeking the light.
To
you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
Amen.
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Jesus'
birth reveals depth of God's love
Pope
John Paul II, General Audience, January 3, 2001
1.
"Let us rejoice and be glad in the Lord, for eternal
salvation has appeared in the world, alleluia".
With these words the liturgy today invites us to remain
absorbed in the "holy joy" of Christmas. At
the beginning of a new year, this exhortation directs
us to live it entirely in the light of Christ, whose
salvation appeared in the world for all human beings.
MORE
Midnight
Mass Homily, Christmas
Pope
John Paul II, December 24, 2000
1.
“Today is born our Saviour” (Responsorial
Psalm)
On
this night, the ancient yet ever new proclamation of
the Lord’s birth rings out. It rings out for those
keeping watch, like the shepherds in Bethlehem two thousand
years ago; it rings out for those who have responded
to Advent’s call and who, waiting watchfully, are
ready to welcome the joyful tidings which in the liturgy
become our song: “Today is born our Saviour”.
MORE
Origin
of 12 Days of Christmas
You're
all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve
Days of Christmas" I think. To most it's a delightful
nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious
purpose when it was written. MORE
Random
Christian Reflections |
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Symbolism
of the Advent Wreath
The four candles represent the 4,000 years prior
to Christ's coming and the four weeks of Advent.
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The
unlighted candles represent the dark ages before
Christ's coming. The lighted candles represent Christ,
the Light of the World. Each week we light one more
candle and that represents the idea that the coming
of Christ is closer. The circular form of the wreath
symbolizes that God has no beginning and no end.
The green of the boughs indicates hope--just as
the green of spring indicates new life. The word
Advent means the coming of promise. |
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As
the only Christian country in Asia, and one of the most
thoroughly Catholic countries in the entire world, the
Christmas season takes on a special meaning in the Republic
of the Philippines. Filipino Yuletide celebrations are
simultaneously colorful, chaotic, multicultural, intriguing,
and spiritual. As with everything else in this polyglot
culture, elements of Spanish Catholicism, Uncle Sam, China,
and indigenous influences all enter the equation (see
An Oversimplified History Lesson for some perspective).
MORE
Christmas Trivia
When
was the first Christmas carol sang? Which trees are the
best sold as Christmas trees? How many Christmas cards
are sent over the United States annually? Get to know
different known facts about Christmas. MORE
Christmas Diary
Realizing that I would be staying in Hong Kong for Christmas
2003, it was appropriate to get organized with the other
SFC members and create a festive and meaningful celebration.
MORE
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