The Last Eight Days of Advent
During the last eight days of Advent, it is useful to reflect on the different titles given to the Lord who is to come. The titles are Old Testament titles, here conferred on Jesus, showing he is the promised Messiah.
Wisdom
St. Paul tells us that God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom.
He is saying that it is hard to imagine the Wisdom of God, who knows all things,
because God has created all things. This title of God reminds us especially
of the Book of Wisdom in the Old Testament - a beautiful hymn in which wisdom
is personified, and is active in the world.
Adonai
A name for the Most High God, whose true name could not be uttered,
and of whom it was said that no-one could gaze on the face of God and live.
Adonai is the Lord of armies, who will march out to save the people in battle.
Stock of Jesse
Jesse was the father of King David, and Jesus is a descendent of David.
>From David comes the association of Jesus as royal, of David's line. Jesus
inherits the throne of David, re-defining his role as King of the Jews.
Key of David
Jesus is not simply a ruler descended from David, but a liberator,
a redeemer. This name echoes the mission of Jesus to bind and to loose, a mission
Jesus passes on to his disciples.
Rising Sun
The sun is a sign of God's creation, God's endurance, and a sign of
God's glory. God's glory outshines the sun, and will endure after the sun and
moon have failed. Psalm 84 describes God as the sun:
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11 NRSV)
King
God is the king above all kings, and the prophet Samuel is reluctant
to anoint a king for the Israelites as this will seem like a rejection of God's
rule. Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king; Jesus answers indirectly, because his
kingship does not accord with the expectations of the Romans, the Jewish authorities,
or even his followers.
Emmanuel
The prophecy of Isaiah foretells a sign to be given by God: a virgin will conceive
and give birth to a son whom she will call Emmanuel: a name which means God
is with us. Jesus is the word made flesh, God in the midst of the people.
© Liguori Publications Excerpt from Advent - A Quality Storecupboard The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
More Advent & Christmas
Advent? What is it 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
The Christmas Story
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
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
Ideas to Make Your Christmas Special
Traditions From Around The World
Christmas Quotes
More Advent & Christmas News
Get your 2018 Keep Christ in Christmas Boxcar!
THE 2018 KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS BOXCAR Exclusively manufactured by Lionel in the USA for the Knights of Columbus.This limited edition is ... continue reading
Pope Francis's 'Urbi et Orbi' message (Full Text) Watch
Pope Francis on Christmas Day said the commemoration of Christ's birth is an occasion to remember and pray for every child who suffers due ... continue reading
Pope Francis sends powerful message out on Christmas Watch
Pope Francis said the birth of Jesus is an invitation for all Christians to imitate him in reaching out to embrace the vulnerable and all ... continue reading
A beautiful prayer to help with Christmas disappointment Watch
Since you came to Jesus, you've prayed, you've had faith in the Lord and you've done the best you could to meet God halfway - but now, near ... continue reading
The world's suffering little ones - don't forget them this Christmas Watch
Imagine hearing a knock at your front door. As you open the door, to your great surprise you see a baby lying in front of you. Without ... continue reading
Latest
by Catholic Online
- Daily Reading for Monday, June 25th, 2018 HD Video
- Daily Readings for Saturday, June 23, 2018
- Pope Francis has a plan to help refugees, and halt the tide of ...
- St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher: Catholic Martyrs
- Pope Francis: Take in refugees, invest in poor countries
- The Catholic Church's Role with Refugees in the U.S.
- St. Joseph Cafasso: Saint of the Day for Saturday, June 23, 2018
Top Searches
- george
- holy spirit
- morning prayer
- Saint Elizabeth
- St. Augustine
- Saint Anne
- James
- st agnes
- saint monica
- saint catherine
- Saint Lucy
- saint clare
- saint rose
- st rose of lima
- archangels
- healing
- raphael
- halloween
- immaculate conception
- st augustine
- st monica
- saint of the day
- St. Elizabeth
- john bosco
- st catherine
Latest Videos
on YouTube
Daily Readings
Daily Reading for Saturday June 23, 2018
Reading 1, Second Chronicles 24:17-25
Psalm, Psalms 89:4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34
Gospel, Matthew 6:24-34
Saint of the Day
St. Joseph Cafasso
June 23: Joseph Cafasso was born at Castelnuovo d'Asti in ... Read More
Information
Learn about Catholic world
Catholic Online
Inform - Inspire - Ignite
Catholic Online Saints
Your saints explained
Catholic Online Prayers
Prayers for every need
Catholic Online Bible
Complete bible online
Catholic Online News
Your news Catholic eye
Daily Reading
Today's bible reading
Lent / Easter
Death & resurrection of Jesus
Advent / Christmas
Birth of Jesus
Rest of Catholic Online
All Catholic world we offer
Services
Products and services we offer
Catholic Online Shopping
Catholic medals, gifts & books
The California Network
Inspiring streaming service
Advertise on Catholic Online
Your ads on catholic.org
Catholic Online Email
Email with Catholic feel
Catholic Online Singles
Safe, secure Catholic dating
The California Studios
World-class post production service
Education
Learn the Catholic way
Catholic Online School
Free Catholic education for all
Student Classes
K-12 & Adult Education Classes
School Teachers
Teacher lesson plans & resources
Support Free Education
Tax deductible support Free education
Socials
Connect with us online
Catholic Online on Facebook
Catholic social network
Catholic Online on Twitter
Catholic Tweets
Catholic Online on YouTube
Enjoy our videos
Catholic Online on Instagram
Shared Catholic moments
Catholic Online on Pinterest
Catholic ideas style inspiration
Stunning Red Glass double Capped Sterling Silver Rosary 18% OFF