Prayer: Isaiah 49:13-16

Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth.
Break forth into song, you mountains.
For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted.

But Zion said, "The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me."

"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. See, upon the palms of my hands I have engraved you; your walls are ever before me.

Prayer: Peter Canisius, S.J.

The fear of many people is greater than necessary because they look for human and not divine help.

Prayer: John of the Cross

The Father uttered one word; that word is his Son. And he utters him forever in everlasting silence; and in silence the soul has to hear it.

Question: Do you Believe?

A Chicago-based newscaster was angrily criticized because she ranted about economic woes and warned against creating unrealistic expectations of children through a fictionalized Santa Claus. She declared that Santa did not exist. She was denounced by her online colleague, people on the street, and angry callers to the TV station.

Watch the face of children and adults as Santa visits their town or a nearby mall. They all want to catch a glimpse of him and spend a moment with this magical omniscient man who brings happiness into the lives of many. He brings hope and promise. Although he is largely an icon of a commercialize Christmas season, do you still believe in him?

Prayer: In the Spirit of Giving

Giving is born in a heart filled with thankfulness. Choose to live with an attitude of constant gratitude by counting the blessings in each day. Rather than exerting efforts to accumulate more, we will be spurred onto share from the abundance we already have.

The Very Best Time of Year

Christmas trees and boughs of holly,
Yuletide logs and mistletoe,
Candles burning bright and meadows frosty white,
and faces in the firelight's glow.

Sounds of happy children's voices,
Singing carols that you love to hear.
Then the silence of the night
and the winter air so still and clear.

Feels like you could reach and touch the sky,
or catch a star and fly away,
Feels like you could wish for peace on earth,
and all at once it would come some day.

Families and friends together
Feel a special kind of love and cheer,
Sharing all the joys of Christmas time.
The very best time of year.

- That shining magic time of year.

Prayer: Third Century Manuscript

Of the light of dawn let none be silent nor let the bright stars be wanting in praise: let all the foundations of the rivers lift up their songs to the Father, Son, and Spirit.

So let all powers on earth cry aloud: Amen, Amen. Might and honor, glory and praise to God, only giver of all that is good. Amen.

Prayer: Francis Xavier

Devote your first and principal care to cleansing your own conscience. Let cleansing the consciences of others come later. For how can one be of use to others who takes no care for oneself?

Prayer: Advent Prayer

God of peace, God of justice,
At this Advent time you call us to awaken
to the gift of your life,
to be attentive to the signs of your coming,
to tend and foster the possibilities for life, for love,
to learn again to beat our swords into ploughshares,
to create peace.

Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly!

The Advent Wreath

Advent wreaths were originally part of folk traditions of Northern Europe. Wreaths of evergreens were decorated with candles to symbolize life and light during the dark months of winter. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God. Evergreens stay green all year and so signify continuous life.

Each of the four candles represent one of the Sundays of Advent. We needn't worry about the colors of the candles; traditionally, three violet candles and one rose candle are used, but you may prefer to use all royal blue candles, four violet candles or four white candles. The symbol is the flame, not the color. Each Sunday, the light of the wreath glows brighter as a reminder that Christ comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope.

As you light the first candle, sing a verse of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, re–read part of today's Gospel, and say a brief concluding prayer.

FIRST WEEK

Light one of the violet candles. During the rest of the week, this candle is lit again at the evening meal or whenever you choose to do so. Say a prayer like the following:

Jesus, as we wait for your coming, help us not to be afraid but to trust in you. As we light this candle, we remember that you bring the light of hope into our lives. May your Word be always in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. Amen.

from St. Cecilia parish in Boston