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What is Advent?

Advent? What is all about

The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming. The Lord is coming. We may reflect that every year at this time we celebrate his coming , so that in a sense we can lose the feeling of expectancy and joyful anticipation, because at the end of the season, everything seems to return to pretty much the same routine. If that is the case, then our preparation may have been lacking ... continue reading

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The Armor of Love: Octave of Christmas, the Feast of St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

By Deacon Keith Fournier • Catholic Online • 12/27/2011

On this Feast of St Stephen the Deacon and Martyr of the Church, let us continue our clebration of the Octave of Christmas by reflecting on this soldier of Jesus Christ whose life was so conformed to the Lord that he imitated him in his death. Let us also pray for our deacons, that they can ...

Christmas Reflection on the Eucharist and Giving

By Michael Terheyden • Catholic Online • 12/26/2011

As we draw near to our God this Christmas morning and receive the great gift of His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, let us not hesitate to give ourselves back to Him. Let us enter the holy game, feel the uncreated rhythm, and join in the eternal dance which sanctifies us and the world. Let us also ...

Love is Born on Christmas Morn - and the Whole World Begins Again

By Deacon Keith Fournier • Catholic Online • 12/26/2011

On the wonderful day called Christ-Mass, the world pauses at a manger. The great event of the Nativity of the Lord touches every man, woman and child. The world is presented with the Christian proclamation that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The words rendered in English "dwelt ...

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The Christmas Story

Christmas Story explained

To become the mother of the Savior, Mary "was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role."132 The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as "full of grace". In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace... continue reading

More Christmas

Mary Speaks From the Heart

A surprised Mary is afraid
A perplexed Mary is confused
An astonished Mary is faithful

A Young Mother Gives Birth

Making a difficult Journey
Facing difficult circumstances
The Fruit of Thy Womb...

Mary Remembers

The Angel's Visit
The conversation with Joseph
The Visit to Elizabeth

A Birth Foretold

God speaks to Adam
Isaiah speaks to Israel
An Angel Speaks to Joseph

The Witnesses Gather

Watched from Heaven
Watched from Darkness
Watched by Man

The Plan Unfolds

Not just any child
Not just any destiny
Not just any result

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Advent Daily Readings

The weeks of Advent remind us to set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and to quietly reflect on the promise of the baby born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. The Bible readings listed below relate to the Advent themes of waiting, preparation, light in the darkness, and the coming of the promised Messiah. continue reading