INTRODUCTION
In a chapel converted from the vicinity of the holy cave of Bethlehem should be read in the antiphon 'O' engraved with their beginnings (O Wisdom, O Lord, O Root of Jesse, O Key David, O rising Star, O King of nations, Emmanuel O) in two columns, which frame a space, where the shrine is located. Since those early days recall the antiphons closer to Christmas, it seems to stand in the chapel for worship, it means being enveloped by an atmosphere of perpetual advent liturgy.
However, the appeal of those texts, in that particular place, can not be perceived as a function of the Eucharist: He expects that already exists among men and assure them of light, liberation and salvation. If the first words of the antiphons seem to awaken pages of the Old Testament, making them contemporary, the final invocation: "Come ... to teach, to redeem ... to release ... to save ... "project on the lives of all these texts.
That chapel in Bethlehem is the last time in the development that has been brought to the cave where he had lived in St. Jerome. The site was chosen by him, because consecrated by the pious advent of Christ. Jerome in his letters to the monks and friends explaining why he chose that place to lead the monastic life. "All the holy places - the holy writing - are venerable: where Jesus was born, where he was crucified, where he rose again and where victory went to heaven ... but this place is truly venerable! Here child was born, here infant was placed in a manger, because there was no place for them in the hotel (Lk 2, 7). Standing there, in St. Jerome still seemed to hear the muffled cries of the little man-God. Therefore, simple in its grandeur, was sufficient to support the ascetic and mystical Jerome, who exclaimed: "... if I were allowed to see the crib where the Lord lay! Now we, as to do honor to Christ, we removed the crib to the ground and we have placed the silver, but for me is more valuable than what was taken away. " On other occasions, St. Jerome said his preference for the poverty of Bethlehem in comparison to the wonders of Rome: "Here in this little hole in the ground, the creator of the heavens was born, here was wrapped in cloth, was seen here by the shepherds, this was manifested by the same Mother, was worshiped here you Magi."
Two thoughts came to penetrate each other: one of the antiphons, first suggested by the words of them, engraved on the pillars, and that of Jerome, whose presence is felt after centuries in the cave. But the antiphons are not Jerome, nor of his time. They belong to that world of the Bible which Jerome is the prince acknowledged by everyone. He, a man of the Bible, certainly knew the titles in the last days of Advent back on our lips.
There are those who traces the construction of these antiphons to the fifth century: were born in Italy, using material of Jewish flavor and color. Others believe the most recent: the attribute to Gregory the Great, and others put them closer to us. Whatever their age it is certain that the antiphons have enjoyed great popularity because of their content, the way they were performed, with an outline of the sounds of bells in full peal, which spread the news, where the echo of them came. Popular uses surrounding the execution of the antiphons. There was also growth in the number of antiphons. Addressed to Christ to come, one of them came to the Virgin, another angel Gabriel and another at St. Thomas the Apostle, whose feast was celebrated on December 21.
Today antiphons accompanying December 17 to 24 days. They open the liturgical day, at Mass, and end at Vespers. Say it twice, accentuate the flavor of Advent, in his last days when the wait should be more careful, and the desire to see the face of the Lord is more nostalgic. Short and fervent as an aspiration, each of the antiphons 'O' may be the favorite prayer for each day, preparing for Christmas.
December 16
Here comes the King, the Lord of the earth,
which will remove the yoke of our captivity.
The antiphons 'O' which characterize the days immediately preceding Christmas they carry the expectation of the Messiah, which could be among the Hebrews of the Old Testament, which Christians should be at all time. The anticipation reaches its apex in the person of Mary. The liturgies of all the churches of the Catholic world have wished to recall that, in granting Advent space relevant to the person of Mary. In the
Roman liturgy of Advent, Mary is present everywhere, with a discreet presence. Consider the mystery of the Annunciation, recalled in the whole of Advent, sometimes dramatically, to grab out the crucial importance for the plan of salvation. They say the texts of the liturgy, the Fathers affirmed and the writers of the Church from Irenaeus to Augustine, Bernard, Isaac of Stella, that Mary is the mother of the Advent in hope, and becomes the hope of the Church and to everyone who it belongs. It can be said that Advent, a liturgical point of view, Marian is the best season of the year, even more of the same month of May that the popular devotion of the West has dedicated to the Mother of the Lord from ancient times.
There was a time in which one of the antiphons 'O', addressed to the coming Messiah, had found a place antiphon addressed to the Virgin. The text expressed in the first part of the wonder before the mystery of the Christian, unique in human history, the virginal motherhood. In the second part, reported the hint that the explanation she gave the Virgin the mystery: "O Virgin of virgins, how can this happen? No other woman has ever been like you, and never will be in the future! - Daughters of Jerusalem, why marvel at me? What you see is a divine mystery '*.
Anthem was in the liturgy of the 'Waiting for the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary "which was celebrated in Visigothic Spain December 18, eight days before Christmas. The fathers of the Council of Toledo in 656 had wanted the party, followed by an octave. They were convinced that the dignity of this celebration should not be less than that of Christmas: "The feast of the Mother is nothing more that the Incarnation of the Word", said the council fathers.
His party later took the name "Our Lady of the O 'or' Day of O" because the beginning dell'antifona above: "O Virgin of virgins ...." During the eighth, the morning was celebrated a solemn Mass at which he could help all pregnant women, whatever their rank: first, to venerate the divine maternity of Mary, second, to get the aid in the sufferings of childbirth.
The festival, a true celebration of life, was widespread under the Carolingian Empire.
In Milan, for some time, celebrated the memory of Santa Maria in the sixth and last Sunday of Advent. The celebration gave last week of Advent in the Ambrosian rite the name of weeks' of waiting. "
Maria opens up the secret of the liturgical season, which is the Advent for her was a privileged time in which "expectations and brought in his lap with ineffable love," Son, it's time for us providential instrument to be used for preparing, waiting vigilant, the entry of Christ into our hearts.
Short is the time: we must take advantage, warns the liturgy, while drawing in those days, a chronological journey to the feast, "Behold, they are to accomplish all the things that were said about the Virgin Mary by the angel '. Here, then, the first ad: the Lord is coming. He, the son of the Virgin, take away the yoke of our captivity, making us free men and women. The wait is our hope, becomes a prayer: "Oppressed long under the yoke of sin, we are waiting, Father, our redemption: the new birth of your only Son to free us from the ancient slavery."
We pray to the Lord of peace for all people exploited, poor, oppressed.
recite Psalm 23.
***
December 17
O Wisdom
you go out from the mouth of,
you extend the boundaries of the world,
and have everything smoothly and forcefully:
come and teach the way of wisdom.
The first name by which the last weekdays of Advent we turn to the Word, the Son of God, is that of Wisdom. From the title develops the prayer: "O Wisdom, which the mouth of the exit, you extend the boundaries of the world, and have everything smoothly and forcefully, Come, and teach the way of wisdom."
In the New Testament wisdom is identified with Christ, the Son and Word of God
The apostolic writings are not afraid to give to Christ those attributes that the Old Testament to Wisdom reserved.
In Paul, Christ is called "wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1: 24-30): he himself is wisdom and at the same time made known to men the wisdom of God John writes in his writings clearly that the Son is the Wisdom of the Father, as His Word.
Jesus, the Wisdom of God, promises to her the gift of wisdom: "I will give you a wisdom to which your opponent can not fight back" (Lk 21, 15).
Who accepts it in life and enter into communion with him, enjoying the fruits of divine wisdom and enter the intimacy of God
Anthem, interwoven with texts taken from the Old Testament, points out that Wisdom was present to God when he created the world and ordered. The present is now, as he conserves and constantly renewed.
output from the mouth of God, as a Word, the Wisdom is a breath of divine power, an outpouring of the glory of the Almighty, a mirror of God's activity, a reflection of eternal light, an image of excellence .
During history of salvation, wisdom will be sent by God in the midst of Israel to dwell with men, to assure them of salvation and to direct the providential history making walk on streets.
La Sapienza has everything smoothly and strongly, because without doing violence to freedom inevitably comes to the finally determined, is relied upon, to come and teach the men who God is, who man is, the meaning of life , the meaning of history and human destiny.
In light of divine wisdom, will he find the ability to act with prudence in life. He will just keep my eyes fixed on Him "What is strength and wisdom of God (1 Cor 1, 24).
We pray for all the world: because the Lord grant peace and wisdom of the heart, first of all to those who govern and the people.
recite Psalm 8.
***
December 18
O Lord, guide the house of Israel,
that you appeared to Moses in the bush fire, and
Mount Sinai gave him the law:
come free with a powerful arm.
few words taken from the Bible and linked together within an antiphon, a summary of ancient history and introduce one that can not be there. Anthem puts it thus: "O Lord, guide the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the bush and on Mount Sinai gave him the law, come and free us with powerful arm."
For the reference made to the story of Moses and the liberation of the people of Israel seems to hint that the desire to increase the current climate of redemption than that of Christmas.
God appeared to Moses in the desert, and he became recognized in the sign of the burning bush of Oreb. God reveals Himself on Mount Sinai as the great legislator. And how the people felt this presence of God! He was in the midst of his people and lived in the tent of meeting, God was with His people ready to support and defend it with his hand under his arm.
He turns the prayer: "Come," because it occurs again. The sign that God will give his presence will be that of the Word made flesh. He will come to liberate his people from the bondage of sin and evil. Stretch out his hand, but not to strike, but because it's being nailed to the cross: "To do your will and won for a holy people, he stretched out his arms on the cross ..." (Eucharistic Prayer III). So is the release that occurs in the fullness of time. It begins and ends in Bethlehem to Calvary.
The text on which we now please put in contact with the mystery of a God who is not afraid to intervene in human history, and to combine them to save them. Also during Advent we have targeted our prayers according to this guideline and we prayed: "Stir up your power, come ...." But we were assured that the mighty God would not come to free in power, but in humility. This is his appearance more beautiful. At Christmas, the voice of the Apostle Paul we will give to the announcement: "... is the kindness of God our Savior, and his love for mankind ..." (Titus 3, 4).
In this way God loves to show the power of his arm and his hand.
We pray for those who suffer from physical illness, mental or moral for people who have no work, for families in need.
recite Psalm 84
***
19 dicembre
O Radice di Iesse,
che ti innalzi come segno per i popoli:
tacciono davanti a te i re della terra,
e le nazioni ti invocano:
vieni a liberarci, non tardare.
L’immagine di una radice domina il tema dell’antifona per il 19 dicembre: «O Radice di Iesse, che ti innalzi come segno per i popoli: tacciono davanti a te i re della terra, e le nazioni invoke you: come and free us, do not delay. "
What is the Church's thinking when he turns to Christ to come with that title? Perhaps there is a trail to the understanding of this symbol, thinking about what wonderful carries a root. It lives hidden in the soil of the earth, is not without beauty and regular shapes. However, it is the most essential part of life and survival of a plant. The root contains in itself the growth of plants in it there is life, by which plants, in their majority, they can innovate. If the root gets sick or dies, the plant can not survive.
The biblical symbolism root can not be separated from everything. Nell'antifona cited, "root" does mean a generation or descent. The prophet Isaiah, which inspired the liturgical text, he said: "A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots" (Isaiah 11, 1). When this character appears in the family of Jesse will bring together all the elect from all nations and will open a road to salvation for all nations.
pre-Christmas In the atmosphere in which the liturgical text is used, the seed is to be understood as Christ, he is rooted in the people of Israel, is linked to a human genealogy, the history that God has predestined of salvation, even though we were in it rings of misery and sin. In the family tree of Christ, drawn by the evangelist Matthew, are in fact made remarkable personality of sinners. This means that nothing human is alien to what our God, who is engaged in the trunk of humanity.
One day he will become "standard for all peoples." The text, which is based more in Isaiah, awakens the spirit the word of Christ: "When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. He said this [Jesus] to indicate what was going to die "(Jn 12, 32). The cross is the climax of the history of the world and life of every man, and is a mystery that goes out the word on the lips of kings, the powerful and the wise men of the earth ('in front of him shall shut their mouths' Is 52, 15), unable to understand the mystery of its annihilation ("root in arid land 'Is 53, 2) and its glorification. Only those who are "rooted and built-in Christ" (Col 2, 7), "rooted and grounded in his love" (Eph 3, 17) will be blessed in contemplating the mystery of Bethlehem and Calvary, and listening to the echoes in the depths spirit.
Anthem closes with an invitation to Christ: "Come and save us" and with a cry that goes to join with the expectation of which Christ himself has been in the succession of generations: "Do not delay." Christ, the last page of the book of Revelation, it never leaves miss his answer: "I am the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star."
Thus, he defines, in the hour that comes a new life, the life eternal, that will flourish for all elected by him, the Child of Bethlehem, the Crucified and Risen Christ on Calvary.
We pray today for the rulers: why do not dominate over the nations, but make just laws for the benefit of the people. We pray for those who are crushed by debt, hardship cheap, poor health.
recite Psalm 19.
***
December 20
O Key of David, the scepter
house of Israel,
you open, and no one can shut
close, and no one can open:
come, frees man imprisoned,
lying in darkness and the shadow of death.
While we await the coming of Christ at Christmas, I salute you, "O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel." Even the angel Gabriel brought Mary the news of God's plan for her, had spoken of a child, she would: "It will be great and will be called Son of the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father and he will reign in the house of Jacob forever and his kingdom will never end "(Lk 1, 32-33). Even Jesus later in the debate with his opponents, they will recognize that Christ is the son of David and that they will recognize the Lord.
When, in these days of preparation for Christmas, we turn to Christ with the title: "O Key of David, the scepter of the house of Israel," we recognize in him the Lord from which all the dominions and powers . The key incorporates symbolism, its ancient pagan and biblical, power, administrative, responsibility. The keys, after the capture of a city, amounted to recognition that the winner was the master of all. At a minister of the royal family were given the keys of the house as a symbol of his investiture and his office. Since those keys were rather large and could not be carried in your pocket, as we we usually do, they were placed on the shoulders of the design. From there comes our way of saying put a responsibility on the shoulders of someone.
On the shoulders of the pious Eliakim was placed, by order of God, the key to the power that was taken from Shebna little lover of God (cf. Is 22, 20-25). God gives explanation: "I will put on his shoulders the keys to the house of David, when he opens no one will close, if he closes, nobody will."
Eliakim is the image of the Messiah. Christ himself took for himself the title and the above function, speaking in Revelation, the church of Philadelphia: "Thus saith the Holy One, the true, who has the key of David, who opens and closes when no one shuts no one opens "(Rev. 3, 7).
The house of David is an indicator of the Church and the kingdom of heaven. Only the Savior has the right to introduce the souls in the same realm. He carries on his shoulders the symbol of that power, given to him by the Father: the cross. It is the key, through which the Christ opens the sky.
But the use of a key in the days of Advent, which commemorates Christ, already with his coming, is the key that unlocks the prison of sin, to those who are victims of this misery. The prospect is open dall'allusione dell'antifona that the text ("Come, and frees man imprisoned") is the prophecy of Isaiah: "I am the Lord, I intended ... because you open your eyes to the blind, to bring out the prisoners from jail '( Is 42, 7).
Christ is not to condemn, but is free only for those who "sit in darkness and the shadow of death" (cf. Lk 1, 79). The two terms are sufficient to invoke the squalor of the prison, so well known in antiquity. And today? How many chains held prisoner contemporary man! Christ, who was made flesh "prisoner" of our flesh, return freedom all that he has made to free grace, uplifts the dignity of all men being redeemed.
We pray for those seeking jobs, housing, care and comfort. The Lord help us this Christmas to offer love, peace and warmth to all.
recite Psalm 130.
***
December 21
O rising Star,
splendor of eternal light, sun justice;
shine on those who lie in darkness
and shadow of death
In biblical language, the East is that part of the world where every day people come to light, heat and life. This concept is already in the biblical account of man's creation: "Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the East, and there he put the man whom he had formed ..." (Genesis 2: 8). The origin of all being is in heaven "in the East."
Christianity from the beginning he was aware of the symbolism and frequently opened to it. In Baptism, the catechumen at the time was that it would not Satan, his works and enticements, had to turn toward the West, considered the region of darkness. To swear their allegiance to Christ alone for salvation, he turned instead to the east. It was the symbolic beginning of the path of salvation, that the baptized to take to break away from ruin and death and move towards the resurrection, life and light.
The symbolism that gave rise to the use of prayer, turning to the east, because, he explained Origen, one that has received the name of Christ, the son becomes the orient and there must direct his desires.
This concept is the reason why the churches are "oriented", ie with the apse facing east. Even the dead were buried with their faces to the East. From there, one day, return to the Lord for the Last Judgement.
No wonder therefore that the theme of Christ "East - Astro rising 'is imbued with all the liturgy, especially that of Easter and Christmas, with the Liturgy of the Hours, which will suffice for cite the Ambrosian hymn, "Splendor of paternal glory ...."
Prayer to Christ, called, on this day, as dawn rises, we enhanced by two other names: Christ is "the splendor of eternal light and sun of justice."
The light was always regarded as an attribute of divinity: "God is light and in Him is no darkness" (1 John 1, 5). God "is wrapped in light as with a garment" (Ps 103, 2). "He dwells in unapproachable light" (1 Tim 6, 16). When the Messiah will come, says Isaiah, the people who walk in darkness will see a great light on those who dwell in darkness a light will shine (cf. Is 9, 1). Forty days after his birth, the Saviour, is recognized by Simeon in the temple as "a light that illuminates the Gentiles" (Lk 2, 32). He is "the true light that enlightens every man" (Jn 2, 32). Christ himself may one day provide: "I am the light of the world whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life" (Jn 8, 12). What happens during the existence of a Christian. As the sunlight gives all things of this world their proper contour and allows you to see them and enjoy them, so does the Christ "sun of righteousness" (Mal 3: 20) for all situations of life, and transforms an opportunity for good.
the Christ "rising dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice" now directs the plea: "Come, enlighten those who lie in darkness and the shadow of death "(cf. Lk 1, 79).
With the father of John the Baptist, Zechariah, the first who spoke it in his song, we recognize that we, with our world, we are so poor in the divine light.
At Christmas, "the sun of justice will visit us from on high" (cf. Lk 1, 78) and the screen will not come because of its light to every man: the mysteries of Christmas, it will continue to bring light , life, joy.
We pray today for those who do evil and lie in the darkness of error and sin. For those who are suffering their own neighbors, their families, their loved ones.
recite Psalm 62
***
December 22
O King of nations,
awaited by all nations,
cornerstone
who unite the peoples into one,
come, and save the man whom you formed from the earth.
prayer, the liturgy for this day placed on the lips, it creates around the throne of the King-Messiah, a great movement of peoples and refers to desires that have been formulated over the centuries, always living in expectation of a Savior " O King of all nations, since all nations .... "
In the pagan world, the figure of the king belonged to the sphere of the divine. He was considered an incarnation of divinity, was the bearer of special privileges, all his acts were considered divine, he should have a cult. For a Jew, things were different: the place of God could not be usurped by any man, even though the king. God is the summit and his potion is well established. The Lord is our judge, our lawgiver, the king, he will save us, says several times in Scripture.
When Israel, in a certain moment in its history, wants to have a king, they remain submissive, like all other men, to the requirements of the Law and the Covenant with God with David, his situation before God is clarified. David received from God the promise that his reign will be stable. The king is called, after his enthronement, the son of God: "You are my Son, today I have begotten you" (Ps 2, 7).
God's plan outlined in the prophecies will be fulfilled in the fullness of time. They refer to the prophet Isaiah when announcing the birth of the king, who will bring joy to the people of God, victory, peace and justice. The promises offered by the prophets define the role of Jesus, the creator of the kingdom. It speaks of the angel Gabriel to Mary: "The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David and reign over the house of Jacob forever and his kingdom will never end" (Lk 1, 32-33). The search for the Magi to Bethlehem and the offer of gifts are a symbolic reference to the kingdom of Christ. During his public life, many voices to acclaim Christ descendant of David in the day, and Palm will become a chorus exalting his kingship. Even celestial hymns in Revelation states, "The kingdom of the world belongs to our Lord and his Christ: for he shall reign for ever and ever "(Rev. 11, 15).
This is the story behind the name to be read "King of all nations ...." At Christmas we worship Christ the King, born for us. While it is recognized that, pray and work for "his kingdom come," expands and consolidates.
The first conquest will be the land of our heart: it is not his only home, but the kingdom is. The king will do is drive around him. It is a symbol of the foundation stone or cornerstone, that is the cornerstone that led to a building, and that holds them together. This stone is was watched in the Judeo-Christian tradition as a picture of the Messiah and his mission. Isaiah brings the word of God: "Behold, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen stone, angular, valuable as a sure foundation: he that believeth not waver" (Is 28, 16). In this prophecy refers to Peter when he reminded members of the Sanhedrin that Jesus is "the stone which was rejected by you builders, has become the cornerstone" (Acts 4, 11). Because Christ is the foundation stone, Peter draws conclusions: it is necessary to him, a living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious to God, to be used as living stones for the construction of a building spiritual ... (cf. 1 Pt 4, 5). Christ himself had applied to himself when this passage of Isaiah, tells the parable of the wicked tenants, had concluded sternly, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:" The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone ? The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. " Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away and given to a people who will produce its fruit ... "(Mt 21, 42-43).
The apostolic writings will return to these texts, not only because they demonstrate the Messiahship of Christ, but to indicate that one can not be neutral in the face of Christ himself. Or did you enter as the foundation stone of our buildings, or he becomes like a stone when they stumble those who do not believe in him. Paul writing to the Ephesians sees that everyone can do to grow "in Christ, the cornerstone, the whole structure is well ordered, a holy temple of the Lord" (Eph 2, 20-21).
Anthem full of images of a realm open to all, and in which all are united, through Christ, ends with an invocation that recalls the look of the Messiah on the fragility of man, which God the Creator has modeled on the earth in his own image. Lost likeness to God because of sin, man you meet in the mystery Incarnation in kindness and mercy of God, who rise to the dignity of origin.
When we kneel before the crib, we got up with the fencing in front of a royal crown. Gives it back the person who wanted to share our human nature.
pray for the broken homes, broken and separated. The Lord, that unites hearts in a face to experience the joy of the meet, the meeting again and being together.
recite Psalm 138
***
December 23
O Emmanuel,
our king and legislator,
hope and salvation of the peoples
come and save us,
O Lord our God
"O Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, the hope and salvation of the people: come and save us, O Lord our God." So please with the hint given for the day today. It has been the impression that prayer resume some issues already argued that the antiphon Yesterday: the kingship of Christ, waiting for him by all nations, he, the source of salvation. But the epithets with which today we turn to the Messiah, are the closest and most familiar to us. It speaks of a God who is about to enter the family of man and will remain as Emmanuel, God with us. The name Emmanuel back to the prophecy of Isaiah, about liberating the birth of a child, the family of David, when it is in extreme danger and about the miracle of parthenogenesis that is, the virginal motherhood of a woman.
The New Testament, and the whole Catholic tradition, see prophecy fulfilled in Mary and Christ, "Councillor , Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace "(Is 9, 5). From the day that the prophetic word became historical reality and "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn 1, 14), the knowledge of God, nell'esplicita determination of the Word-Man and the Virgin-Mother over the world and only the worshipers of God were in the majority, the worshipers of God made man and the Child, the son of the Virgin.
On the basis of genealogies, all they found that this child was a descendant of the house of David. His name was Emmanuel, but Jesus But he was really the Savior and the "God with us" (Mt 1, 23). He grew up in obscurity until the day which appeared as a light for everyone, but especially for the simple and the poor, who welcomed with open hearts the kingdom of God to them, in particular, facilitated the connection with God that Man They had secured the joy that God visited the his people and not let anyone miss his help. Those who believed in Jesus, the Christ, he experiences that he realized in the content and the significance of the name Emmanuel, which the prophets had entrusted to the centuries of waiting. It became so easy to pull this name other names, that the prophet had predicted just as the born child. As a matter of prudence and wisdom of Emmanuel had called "Wonderful Counselor": Christ should show himself that in his doctrine, a source of serenity. Another title, that of "Mighty God," proclaimed the divinity of the Child. Call the "Everlasting Father" emphasized the love that would have tied for ever, born the King and his subjects. The title of "Prince of Peace" was given because the Emmanuel promulgated peace between God and man.
"God with us": this is the Christ in the Church and individuals until the end of time. He himself has given this assurance: "I am with you always until the end of the world" (Mt 28, 20). Then you will see it in the splendor of his kingship and his righteousness, as hope of peoples and their savior. In that day will surely find the one that we had as our salvation at all stages of life. One is that which concludes today, our prayer: "Come and save us, O Lord our God."
We pray for those who are forgotten by society, for the poor, the unemployed, the marginalized.
recite Psalm 66
***
December 24
When the sun will rise,
see the King of kings:
the room as the groom wedding
he comes from the Father.
Lord our God! When fear takes us not allow ourselves to despair! When we are disappointed, do not let yourself become bitter! When we falter, do not leave the ground! When we do not understand anything and we are weary and tired, do not leave us to perish! No, let us feel your presence and your love that you promised to the humble and broken hearts that are afraid of your Word.
is for all people who came to your beloved Son, abandoned to men, because we all are, he was born in a stable and died on the cross. Lord, Keep us awake all Hilights to recognize and admit it.
Think of all the darkness and all the suffering of our time, errors, and the many misunderstandings with which we torment one another, all the weights that so many people should take comfort without knowing, at all the serious dangers that threaten the world without knowing how to deal with. Think of the sick, the alienated, the poor, the outcasts, the oppressed, the victims of injustice, to children who have no parents or who do not have good parents. Think of all those who are called to serve, to the extent that men can do this: the authorities of our country and all countries, judges and officials, teachers and educators, writers and journalists, doctors and nurses, ministers Your Word, that you need, near and far.
We think they pray to shine upon them and upon us the light of Christmas, to make it even more brilliant than what was done until now, that there are - and we with them - they rescue need. We ask all in the name of the Savior, in which we've already heard and you want to hear. Amen.
pray with the Lord-Psalm 22 - for those who will spend this Christmas in the sadness, loneliness and abandonment.
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