Tuesday, December 24, 2019

December 24

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 66 The Porter of the Monastery
Mass in the Morning: 2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Lk 1:67-79


For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

BEHOLD, WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD.
(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

Today is full of last minute preparations for the celebration of the Birth of Christ. We take time to further prepare our minds and hearts and pray for one another, especially for those who suffer and find this time of year difficult. We need not look far for they are members of our family and community, and among our friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and co-workers. We open our hearts to the healing power of the God who loves us.

Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus,
and do not delay,
that those who trust in your compassion
may find solace and relief in your coming.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
(Collect, Mass)

BLESSED BE THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL; FOR HE HAS COME TO HIS PEOPLE AND SET THEM FREE.
(Lk 1:68)

The following text comes from the hymn we sang at Mass, "See How the Virgin Waits".

See how the virgin waits for him; Mary in wonder waits for him.
Shake off your slumber; come all full of wonder,
Jesus is coming as the Prince of Peace.
Gently she hears the distant breeze, swaying the silver olive trees.
What is she thinking, as the sun is sinking,
waiting the birthday of her first-born Son?
Now a new pattern on the loom, now a new presence in the room.
Waking or sleeping, all her love she's keeping,
waiting the coming of the Son of God.

Today's photo: One more look at our Advent wreath. Bless the work of our hands! Bless the work of our hands! (Ps 90:17).

© Gertrude Feick 2019

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