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.
Author: Bryan Boyle
23 December: O Emmanuel
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.
22 December: O Rex Gentium
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.
21 December: O Oriens
Latin: O Oriens, splendor lucis aeternae, et sol iustitiae: veni, et illumina sedentes in tenebris et umbra mortis.
English: O dawn of the east, brightness of light eternal, and sun of justice: come, and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Scripture Reference:
Luke 1:78,79
Malachi 4:2
Relevant verse of Veni, Veni Emmanuel:
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night; and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Special Honor For St. Anne Shrine
We received word today that St. Anne Shrine is being honored on the occasion of our 125th anniversary of the dedication of the shrine by receiving a special Apostolic Blessing from our Holy Father:
While the actual parchment is in Rome right now and will be brought to us as soon as travel restrictions or mail service is more reliable, it doesn’t prevent the blessing from being imparted on the Shrine and all who visit.