Last week we looked at the first four of the seven O Antiphons. The O Antiphons introduce the Canticle of Mary (The Magnificat) at Evening Prayer (Vespers) from 17 December through 23 December. The O Antiphons highlight the Old Testament prophecies of the Redeemer and point toward the ever-growing light of the late Advent season. The winter season begins today around 10:00 am, so from this point forward until the summer solstice, the days grow longer. The final three O Antiphons are below.
21st – O Oriens (O, Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.)
22nd – O Rex (O King of all nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.)
23rd – O Emmanuel. (O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.)
Last week we pointed out the first four O Antiphons. When they are looked at in reverse order the Antiphons spelled the word ‘cras” which is Latin for tomorrow. These final three O Antiphons, when looked at in reverse order spell the Latin word “ero” which means “I will be.” Thus, the O Antiphons point toward Christmas and the Incarnation of Our Lord. Placing the two words together you have – “Ero cras” meaning “Tomorrow, I will be.”
Blessing of the Christmas Creche: God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love. When our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent – 21 December 2025 Cycle A
Isaiah 7:10-14 – What sign do you need from the Lord? / Why does Isaiah describe the Incarnation as a sign? What is it a sign of?
Responsorial Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 – R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. – Are you allowing the Lord to enter? Is the entry way password protected? / The readings from the First Week of Advent describe ascending the mountain of the Lord. Why is that theme back here in the Fourth Week? Are you capable of ascending the mountain? How has this Advent made that ascent more manageable? More arduous? / Do you seek the face of God? Where are you looking?
Romans 1:1-7 – For what work have you been set apart? / How well are you living out the call to be holy?
Matthew 1:18-24 – What is the story of your birth? / How vivid are your dreams? / Do you trust that God is with you?
Mass Readings – Christmas – 25 December 2025 Cycle A
Isaiah 9:1-6 – Why does Isaiah compare the joy of this season as someone dividing the spoils gained by a victory over a foe in battle? / What title given the Christ-child resonates with you? Why?
Responsorial Psalm 96:1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13 – R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. – What is the “new song” that the Lord would like to hear you sing? What keeps you from singing it? / How frequently do you announce the wondrous deeds of the Lord? / What is constancy? Do you treat people with constancy?
Titus 2:11-14 – In what ways are you living temperately, justly, and devoutly? What gift do you need this Christmas to continue in these ways? / The line “as we await the blessed hope” is read by the priest at every Mass after the Lord’s Prayer and before the sign of peace. What is the significance of that line being read at every Mass? What is the “blessed hope” that you are awaiting?
Luke 2:1-14 – To what town would you go to be enrolled? / Why did Jesus choose to be born at night? At what time of day were you born? / Have you ever worked night shifts? What did you like about it? Dislike? / Does the favor of God rest upon you?
Blessing of the Christmas Tree: Lord our God, we praise you for the light of creation: the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night. We praise you for the light of Israel: the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures. We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son: he is the Prince of Peace, who fills us with the wonders of your love. Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we illumine this tree. May the light and cheer it gives be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts. May all who delight in this tree come to the knowledge and joy of salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.