“This time of Advent is a time for hope. These great horizons of our Christian vocation, this unity of life built on the presence of God our Father, can and ought to be a daily reality. Ask our Lady, along with me, to make it come true. Try to imagine how she spent these months, waiting for her Son to be born. And our Lady, Holy Mary, will make of you alter Christus, ipse Christus: another Christ, Christ himself!”
– St. Josemaria Escriva
The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life.
Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously.”
– St. John Paul II
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look
forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!’ Amen.
-Henri Nouwen
The Legend Behind the 12 Days of Christmas
The full history is widely debated, but the song was first published in a book in England in 1780 and thought to be French in origin. The tune we sing now was composed by Englishman Frederic Austin in 1909. Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly from 1558 to 1829. For that reason, many believe that this song was a
hidden way to teach tenets of the faith, with meaning known only to those in the Church.
A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Represents Jesus Christ. A partridge risks its life to protect its babies by faking injury or illness to distract predators.
Two Turtle Doves
Represent the Scriptures, the Old and New Testaments.
Three French Hens
Represent faith, hope and love, referring to 1 Cor 13:13.
Four Calling Birds
Represent the four Gospels —Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five Golden Rings
Represent the five books of the Bible —Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Six Geese A-Laying
Represent the six days when God actively created as he rested on the seventh day.
Seven Swans A-Swimming
Represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit:Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety,
Fear of the Lord (awe). Isaiah 11:1-2.
Eight Maids A-Milking
Represent the beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12
Nine Ladies Dancing
Represent the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
Ten Lords A-Leaping
Represent the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20.
Eleven Pipers Piping
Represent the 11 faithful disciples.
Twelve Drummers Drumming
Represent the 12 points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.