Author: Bryan Boyle

The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you tidings of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.“

From the Board of Directors of St. Anne’s Preservation Society, the volunteers, and all cooperators in our mission, may you enjoy all the blessings of this Christmas season, and our sincere wishes and prayers for health and peace in the New Year.

The First Reading is from the prophet Isaiah:

[2]The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.
[3] Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy.
They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils.
[4] For the yoke of their burden, and the rod of their shoulder, and the sceptre of their oppressor thou hast overcome, as in the day of Median.
[5] For every violent taking of spoils, with tumult, and garment mingled with blood, shall be burnt, and be fuel for the fire.
[6] For a CHILD IS BORN TO US, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.
[7] His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Latin: O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio genitium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.
English: O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Saviour, come to save us, O Lord our God.

Scripture Reference:
Isaiah 7:14; 8:8
Matthew 1:23

Relevant verse of Veni, Veni Emmanuel:
O come, o come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here; until the Son of God appear.

Latin: O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum: veni, et salva hominem, quem de limo formasti.
English: O King of the gentiles and their desired One, the cornerstone that makes both one: come, and deliver man, whom you formed out of the dust of the Earth.

Scripture Reference:
Revelation 15:3
Psalm 118:22
Isaiah 28:16
Matthew 21:42
Mark 12:10
Luke 20:17
Acts 4:11
Ephesians 2:20
1 Peter 2:6

Relevant verse of Veni, Veni Emmanuel:
O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease; and be Thyself our King of peace.