Advent 2013
December 1 to December 24"Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence. It is an invitation to understand that the individual events of the day are hints that God is giving us, signs of the attention he has for each one of us."
---Pope Benedict VXI, Homily at First Vespers of Advent, November 28, 2009 |
Words from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
"Presence"
Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence. It is an invitation to understand that the individual events of the day are hints that God is giving us, signs of the attention he has for each one of us.
---Homily at First Vespers of Advent, November 28, 2009
"Waiting"
The question is: Is the humanity of our time still waiting for a Savior? One has the feeling that many consider God as foreign to their own interests. Apparently, they do not need him. They live as though he did not exist and, worse still, as though he were an “obstacle” to remove in order to fulfill themselves. Even among believers—we are sure of it—some let themselves be attracted by enticing dreams and distracted by misleading doctrines that suggest deceptive shortcuts to happiness. Yet, despite its contradictions, worries and tragedies, and perhaps precisely because of them, humanity today seeks a path of renewal, of salvation, it seeks a Savior and awaits, sometimes unconsciously, the coming of the Savior who renews the world and our life, the coming of Christ, the one true Redeemer of man and of the whole of man.
---Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience December 20, 2006
"Preparation"
Christmas is a privileged opportunity to meditate on the meaning and value of our existence. The approach of this Solemnity helps us on the one hand to reflect on the drama of history in which people, injured by sin, are perennially in search of happiness and of a fulfilling sense of life and death; and on the other, it urges us to meditate on the merciful kindness of God who came to man to communicate to him directly the Truth that saves, and to enable him to partake in his friendship and his life. Therefore let us prepare ourselves for Christmas with humility and simplicity, making ourselves ready to receive as a gift the light, joy and peace that shine from this mystery.
---General Audience, December 17, 2008
"Sign"
God’s sign is his humility. God’s sign is that he makes himself small; he becomes a child; he lets us touch him and he asks for our love. How we would prefer a different sign, an imposing, irresistible sign of God’s power and greatness! But his sign summons us to faith and love, and thus it gives us hope: this is what God is like. He has power, he is Goodness itself. He invites us to become like him. Yes indeed, we become like God if we allow ourselves to be shaped by this sign; if we ourselves learn humility and hence true greatness; if we renounce violence and use only the weapons of truth and love.
---Homily at Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, December 24, 2009
"Changing"
Only if people change will the world change; and in order to change, people need the light that comes from God, the light which so unexpectedly [on the night of Christmas] entered into our night.
---Homily at Mass for the Solemnity,of the Nativity of the Lord, December 25, 2008
Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence. It is an invitation to understand that the individual events of the day are hints that God is giving us, signs of the attention he has for each one of us.
---Homily at First Vespers of Advent, November 28, 2009
"Waiting"
The question is: Is the humanity of our time still waiting for a Savior? One has the feeling that many consider God as foreign to their own interests. Apparently, they do not need him. They live as though he did not exist and, worse still, as though he were an “obstacle” to remove in order to fulfill themselves. Even among believers—we are sure of it—some let themselves be attracted by enticing dreams and distracted by misleading doctrines that suggest deceptive shortcuts to happiness. Yet, despite its contradictions, worries and tragedies, and perhaps precisely because of them, humanity today seeks a path of renewal, of salvation, it seeks a Savior and awaits, sometimes unconsciously, the coming of the Savior who renews the world and our life, the coming of Christ, the one true Redeemer of man and of the whole of man.
---Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience December 20, 2006
"Preparation"
Christmas is a privileged opportunity to meditate on the meaning and value of our existence. The approach of this Solemnity helps us on the one hand to reflect on the drama of history in which people, injured by sin, are perennially in search of happiness and of a fulfilling sense of life and death; and on the other, it urges us to meditate on the merciful kindness of God who came to man to communicate to him directly the Truth that saves, and to enable him to partake in his friendship and his life. Therefore let us prepare ourselves for Christmas with humility and simplicity, making ourselves ready to receive as a gift the light, joy and peace that shine from this mystery.
---General Audience, December 17, 2008
"Sign"
God’s sign is his humility. God’s sign is that he makes himself small; he becomes a child; he lets us touch him and he asks for our love. How we would prefer a different sign, an imposing, irresistible sign of God’s power and greatness! But his sign summons us to faith and love, and thus it gives us hope: this is what God is like. He has power, he is Goodness itself. He invites us to become like him. Yes indeed, we become like God if we allow ourselves to be shaped by this sign; if we ourselves learn humility and hence true greatness; if we renounce violence and use only the weapons of truth and love.
---Homily at Mass for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, December 24, 2009
"Changing"
Only if people change will the world change; and in order to change, people need the light that comes from God, the light which so unexpectedly [on the night of Christmas] entered into our night.
---Homily at Mass for the Solemnity,of the Nativity of the Lord, December 25, 2008
Opportunities/Tools at St. Patrick's this advent
Advent Wreaths
Traditionally, Advent wreaths are constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which four candles are inserted, representing the four weeks of Advent. Ideally, three candles are purple and one is rose, but white candles can also be used. The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the priest also wears rose vestments at Mass; Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead. |
Christmas Tree
Nativity Scene
The "O Antiphons" Of Advent The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. |
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! |
Festival Of Lessons And Carols
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer. We invite you to pray and reflect along with these pod casts to prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects on the lesson's message and a brief prayer. We invite you to pray and reflect along with these pod casts to prepare your hearts and minds for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Reading:
Genesis 3:1-15 Song: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Prayer: Lord of mercy, despite our sinfulness, you never stopped loving us. Fill our hearts with your mercy, that we may forgive others. Amen. |
Reading:
Jeremiah 23:5-8 Song: Reges Terrae Prayer: Lord, you promised that your reign would bring the justice that would never end. May we help to bring this justice in our time. Amen. |
Reading:
Isaiah 11:1-10 Song: Creator of the Stars of Night Prayer: Lord, we wait for the day of your peace. May we help to bring this peace in our families, our communities, and our world. Amen. |
Reading:
Isaiah 9:1-6 Song: O Come, O Come Emmanuel Prayer: God, you are always with us. May we always trust in your presence and share it with those around us. Amen |
Reading:
Luke 1:26-38 Song: Ave Maria Prayer: Lord, you asked Joseph and Mary to trust in you. May we come to share in their trust and always rely on you. Amen. |
Reading:
Luke 2:1-18 Song: Silent Night Prayer: Lord, you came to us in humility and vulnerability. May we always show loving care to those around us, especially those in most need. Amen. |
Reading:
Matthew 2:1-12 Song: We Three Kings Prayer: Lord, you are the giver of all good gifts. May we always remember to share our gifts with others for the glory of your name. Amen. |
Reading:
John 1:1-14 Song: Verbum Caro Factus Est Prayer: God of power and might, you are beyond all time and space. May we never fail to recognize your majesty and give praise to you in all we do. Amen |
Reading:
Matthew 28:16-20 Song: Go Tell It on the Mountain Prayer: Lord, you call us to be your witnesses to the ends of the earth. Fill our words with power that we may proclaim your good news and draw all people to you. Amen. Closing Song: Joy to the World |