Dear John,

The beautiful weeks of our Advent preparations have flown by.  

In the remaining days before the birth of Our Savior, our longing for God becomes more urgent.  

First reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14

Psalm: 24: 1-6

Second reading: Romans 1: 1-7

Gospel:  St. Matthew 1: 18-24

Here is a link to today's readings.

Who is this One we have awaited?

He is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, who has come to teach us and to save us through his Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension.

The Preface at Mass lyrically says:

“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 at prayer

and exultant in his praise.”

Let us pray for each other as we await, with love and longing, the birth of our Savior―Emmanuel – “God with us.”

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to encourage and inspire you this week (all times Eastern):

Life on the Rock Cenacolo Christmas Special:  Rejoicing in Hope.  A glimpse into the daily life of Comunita Cenacolo, a ministry dedicated to healing young adults with addictions.  Interviews include coordinators and participants, along with joyful music performed by Kara Klein and members of Comunita Cenacolo.  Dec 22, 4:30 PM; Dec 23, 5:30 AM (90 mins.)

Mother Angelica Live Classics: A Christmas Message.  In this important teaching lesson, Mother Angelica reflects on the meaning of Christmas as she shares how God’s Word became flesh in Jesus, showing us the value of life. Dec 23, 10:00 AM (60 mins.)

Mother Angelica Live Classics:  What Will You Give Christ for Christmas?  The wisdom of Mother Angelica lives on as she asks Catholics to remember not only Jesus but His Mother Mary as well, when deciding what gifts to give this Christmas.  Dec 24, 10:00 AM (60 mins.)

The Promise.  A touching and insightful dramatization looking inside the Gospel events relating to the Annunciation and the birth of Christ.  Dec 24, 5:30 pm; Dec 26, 11:00 PM (30 mins.)

Also, if you missed the Advent reflections from previous weeks, you can view those here.

May God richly bless you this Christmas,  

Father Joseph