December 22

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 65:1-10 The Prioress of the Monastery
Mass: 1 S 1:24-28; Resp Ps (1 S 2); Lk 1:46-56

O gates, lift high your heads: grow higher ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory!

'Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.' Mutual love, care, and gratitude abounds. Something to hold in mind and heart these days when spending time with family and loved ones. May we open our hearts to welcome Christ in each and every one.

It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,

always and everywhere to give you thanks,

Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

through Christ our Lord.

For all the oracles of the prophets foretold him,

the Virgin Mother longed for him

with love beyond all telling,

John the Baptist sang of his coming

and proclaimed his presence when he came.

It is by his gift that already we rejoice

at the mystery of his Nativity,

so that he may find us watchful in prayer

and exultant and praise.

And so, with the Angels and Archangels,
with Thrones and Dominions,
and with all the hosts and Powers of heaven,
we sing the hymn of your glory,
as without end we acclaim: Holy …
(Preface II of Advent, Mass)

MY SOUL PROCLAIMS THE GREATNESS OF THE LORD, 
MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD MY SAVIOR

We continue on this third day before Christmas with the 'O' Antiphons and praise O King of the nations.

O King of the nations and their Desire, the Cornerstone who binds two into one: come and save mankind, whom you fashioned from clay. 

Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Let us entrust ourselves to Our Lady so that she may help prepare our hearts to welcome Baby Jesus at his birth.
(Pope Francis, Twitter, December 22, 2018)