O Night Divine

Praying the O Antiphons

Crossposted with Family Feast and Feria

Although not highlighted on most calendars, December 17 is a red letter day. This date marks the second part of Advent, the beginning of the O Antiphons. The O Antiphons are seven precious jewels of our Catholic Liturgy, counting down the last seven days before Christmas with building anticipation. The title O Antiphons is simply because each phrase begins with an “O”.

Dating back to the fourth century, these antiphons address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles: O Sapientia (Wisdom), O Adonai (Lord and Ruler), O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (Key of David), O Oriens (Dawn of the East), O Rex Gentium (King of the Gentiles), and O Emmanuel (God With Us) that are based on the Old Testament prophecies and types of Christ. Put in reverse order: Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, and Sapienta, the first letters of these Messianic titles spell out the Latin words ERO CRAS, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” The antiphons sum up in excellence the longing of our Redeemer, and we echo the prayers of the Old Testament faithful by also begging Him to “Come!”

I’m very fond of this time of Advent. This is a little “pick-me-up” that helps us refocus on the two-fold coming of Christ at Christmas, as described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

524 When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming.

. The outward preparations for Christmas can be distracting, and by this time, I often have lost focus on the true meaning of Advent preparation. Our Advent endeavors and resolutions haven’t always come to fruition. The O Antiphons remind me that Christ comes in seven days, and although the outward preparations can cause a frenzy, the O Antiphons beckon me to relax and invite Christ to come into my heart. The urgent “Come!” reminds me of a child’s eager and impatient waiting for Christmas Eve.

If we try to make our own the thought of these antiphons on their proper days, letting their ardent aspirations dominate our prayer life, our minds and hearts will surely be more closely attuned to the mind and heart of the Church as she prepares for the coming of her King. (With Christ Through the Year, Rev. Bernard Strasser, O.S.B., 1947).

The repeated and urgent “Come!” reminds me of a child’s eager and impatient waiting for Christmas Eve, but the antiphons and their symbolism and meaning are not always easy to relate to children. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it is quite helpful to find various ways to present the O Antiphons that touch many of the senses. (There are many creative and crafty ideas on the Internet or books.). Our family's Jesse Tree ornaments incorporate the O Antiphons for the last seven days of Advent. But no matter how I decide to present the O Antiphons, my main intention is to unite our family’s prayers with the universal Church and her Liturgy.

The antiphons can be found in the Vespers, and also the Alleluia verse at Mass. The "O" Antiphons are the verses for the ancient hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The first letter of the Messianic titles: Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia -- all spell out Latin words ERO CRAS, meaning, "Tomorrow, I will come." (The translations below are the traditional antiphons; they do not match exactly with the current Divine Office or Alleluia verse.)

Keeping this in mind, we are adding to our prayers the Antiphon, Magnificat, and singing the corresponding verse of the O Come Emmanuel. Adding elements to our meals is another aspect of incorporating the O Antiphons. One way is reviving the old custom of monasteries of different monks furnishing extra treats on these days to the members of the community. As Florence Berger describes:

The gardener gave the community some of his finest dried or preserved fruits on Dec 19 when he called on Christ: 'O Root of Jesse, come to deliver us and tarry not.' The cellarer unlocked the best wine for his treat as he called: 'O Key of David, come, and come quickly.' Finally, on Dec 23, the abbot gave his extra gift to the brothers. Expense accounts which are still extant show how generous and extensive a list of foods were used on the abbot's 'O day.'" — Cooking for Christ, 1949

One of my favorite childhood Advent memories is when my family practiced this tradition, especially when each member was involved in a surprise. We adjusted according to ages and size of our family, assigning a day to a family member, usually going from the youngest (who had help) to oldest, so that they can provide a special treat for that O Antiphon day. The surprise usually revolved around dinner, but it was never too fancy or nor always a food treat. The best part was leaving it up to the family member to keep it a secret until dinner time. An alternative or additional idea I’ve incorporated over the last years is to serve foods that remind the family of the symbols of the O Antiphons.

The ideas are plentiful, but all depend on time and energy, which can be lacking especially during this busy time of year. My aim for our domestic church is keep things simple, and for the O Antiphons the basic plan is making sure we incorporate the antiphons in prayer and song. The crafts and foods are helpful, but I will not allow it to create stress upon myself if I can’t include them.

Last year I compiled an O Antiphons Prayer Companion to keep all the antiphons, symbols, and prayers together for each day. The main one includes an image of art for each day. This is a large, color file. I keep this displayed in a flip-chart easel placed near our dining room table.

Download O Antiphons Prayer Companion (updated 2012) with color pictures

Update 2012: I've added this prayer print-out now that my children are older. There are choices for your home use. I've included on one page the Magnificat and the actual O Antiphon verses, the second page is the Magnificat and verses for O come Emmanuel. The following two pages are the verses of O Come Emmanuel presented in two ways. Choose what works for your printouts, two-sided or one-sided, one page or two.

Download O antiphons prayer companion table printout 2012

Download O Come Emmanuel

Michele Quigley also made a beautiful page of the O Antiphons for prayer time.

Happy New Year!

(This is a slightly updated version of my article at Catholic Culture, written several years ago.)

While a month yet remains in the civil year, the Church is celebrating the beginning of a new Liturgical year with today being the First Sunday of Advent. Advent — from the Latin ad venio, “to come” — is the liturgical season anticipating the Adventus Domini, the "coming of the Lord.” While the days grow shorter and colder, we prepare for the “Sun of Justice” who comes to kindle our hearts with his light and his love.

The Eternal Word, who is outside of time, became Incarnate in time, thereby making all time sacred. In the season of Advent, we await the coming of Christ on all the levels which we experience time: in the past — as a babe in the stable of Bethlehem; in the present — as grace in our souls; and in the future — as the Judge at the end of time.

The liturgy of Advent reflects these comings:

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (CCC, 524)

The Advent season is filled with preparation and expectation. Everyone is getting ready for Christmas — shopping and decorating, baking and cleaning. Too often, however, we are so busy with the material preparations that we lose sight of the real reason for our activity: the Word made flesh coming to dwell among us. Christians are urged to preserve the spiritual focus of Christmas amidst the prevailingly secular and consumer-driven society.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, let us strive to keep Advent a season of waiting and longing, of conversion and hope, meditating often on the incredible love and humility of our God in taking on flesh of the Virgin Mary. In our shopping and baking, let us remember to purchase and prepare something for the poor. When we clean our homes, let us distribute some of our possessions to those who lack many necessities. While we are decking the halls of our homes, let us not forget to prepare a peaceful place in our hearts wherein our Savior may come to dwell.

Some Notes on the Liturgy

There are always four Sundays in Advent, though not necessarily four full weeks. The liturgical color of the season is violet or purple, except on the Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday, when there is the option of wearing rose-colored vestments. The Gloria is not recited during Advent liturgies, but the Alleluia is retained.

The prophecies of Isaiah are read throughout the Advent season, but all of the readings of Advent focus on the key figures of the New Testament who were prepared and chosen by God to make the Incarnation possible: the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, Sts. Elizabeth and Zechariah. The expectancy heightens from December 17 to December 24 when the Liturgy resounds with the seven magnificent Messianic titles of the O Antiphons.

The Advent season also has a Marian and pro-life focus. We meditate on this wonderful mystery of the Word Made Flesh with as much eagerness as his Mother, Mary prepared and awaited the birth of her son. In the USA we celebrate the special feasts of the Immaculate Conception (a solemnity and holyday of obligation), the patroness of the United States of America, on December 8, and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, on December 12. Other saints’ days traditionally associated in with our preparation for Christmas include St. Nicholas, patron saint of children whose feast falls on December 6, and the saint of light, St. Lucy on December 13.

This year, 2009, we enter the third cycle of readings, Year C, with Gospel readings mainly taken from the Gospel of St. Luke. The feasts of St. Nicholas and St. Lucy are not celebrated in the Church this year because they fall on Sundays, and so the Sunday liturgy takes precedence. There are 26 days this Advent.

Come, Lord Jesus! Do not delay!

I'm Dreaming of Beautiful Advent Music...

Yesterday I roused myself to run an errand to a few craft stores. Our household is trying to recover from the swine flu but it's been slow-going. I thought I had a bit of energy and wanted to use the opportunity of going solo, since dh was home. I emerged from our Quarantined Retreat and trudged out. I was seeking only a few items – a few birthday gifts for ds2 that were on sale and some materials for some Advent projects. I got the first item, but struck out on the rest.

It was my in these stores that I remembered how much I dislike piped-in Christmas carols when I’m shopping. Take note – it was only November 18 and the carols were playing. And I shouldn’t even use “carols” because most are not. Because we’re reduced to just “Happy Holidays” the songs in stores can’t mention the real meaning of “Christ-Mass”. It is just twaddly songs about Santa, Rudolf, being jolly, decking halls, getting everything I want. Yes, that last one is something I heard. Some male rock band was singing some song about making out a list, wanting everything, going to get everything.

If dragging myself out wasn’t going to cause a relapse, that song pushed me over the edge. Ugh.

And most of what I heard could be barely called “music”. I can’t even sing along to these pop artist renditions.

So, while I’m not opposed to Christmas carols in general before Christmas, I am opposed to being onslaught by what is I shall call “P.C. Holiday Listening” (P.C. standing for “Politically Correct”, for my non-American readers).

So, here are some of my thoughts. I want to choose music that is good, true and beautiful. I’ll phrase it this way – to counteract the PC Holiday Listening I am going to be EXTREMELY selective and picky about the music we shall listen to in Advent and Christmas. The places I do have control (which I do in my home and car) on what we hear, I can choose good music for us. I find my choices run pretty traditional, but also most of my choices are calm and peaceful. I think I unconsciously wield a counterattack on the PC Holiday Listening and the Holiday Panic that ensues outside. Plus, I want to continue my strategy of contrasting the liturgical seasons. It is not Christmas until December 25.

Here’s my plan in a nutshell.

1. Emphasize more Advent chants and hymns to sing and to hear during the Advent season so my domestic church will reflect the Church's Advent Liturgy.
2. Hold off on Christmas carols until Christmas, or closer to Christmas. (We generally start the Christmas carols around the 3rd Sunday of Advent.)
3. The carols and Christmas music will be deliberate, beautiful choices.

I’ve always hoped for a cd totally dedicated to Advent the hymns, and I think this year I finally found some. I’m still working with the old-fashioned stereo, with physical cds and records. One of these days I’ll graduate to an .mp3 player, but I only want one if I can play it through my car speakers and have some decent speakers to play for the whole family to hear – which all costs more. So, I work with what I have. But I will say, with the .mp3 technology it is so easy to come up with an Advent playlist for the family. There is very little excuse to NOT have Advent music playing in the home.

I first want to start with the Sunday introits. I loved Jeffrey Tucker’s 2006 post Ad Te Levavi, making the point of having these so familiar. That is my aim -- hearing the different chants will bring them into the spirit of the liturgy with the corresponding liturgical season. We might not be singing it this year, but we will become familiar by hearing them.

The Introits are the Entrance Antiphon of the Mass, part of the propers of the Mass. These are found both in the Ordinary and Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Traditionally the Sunday Mass was called by the first words of the Introit. While there are other propers, I thought just playing at least the Sunday Introits throughout the week would help gain the familiarity of the liturgy, and also keeping Sundays the focal point. I've included the text and translation of the four introits below.

1. First Sunday of Advent: Missa Ad Te Levavi

   Introit: To you, my God, I lift my soul, I trust in you; let me never come to shame. Do not let my enemies laugh at me. No one who waits for you is ever put to shame. Psalm 25:1-3 (Roman Missal)

   Ad te levavi animam meam: Deus meus in te confido, non erubescam: necque irrideant me inimici mei: etenim universi qui te exspectant, non confundentur.

   Ps. Vias tuas, Domine, demonstra mihi: et semitas tuas edoce me.(Graduale Romanum).

2. Second Sunday of Advent: Missa Populus Sion

   Introit: People of Zion, the Lord will come to save all nations, and your hearts will exult to hear his majestic voice.(Based on Isaiah 30:19,30, Roman Missal)

   Populus Sion, ecce Dominus veniet ad salvandas gentes: et auditam faciet Dominus gloriam vocis suae, in laetitia cordis vestri.

   Ps. Qui regis Israel, intende: qui deducis velut ovem Ioseph.(Graduale Romanum)

3. Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday): Missa Guadete

   Introit: I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God; for he has clothed me in the garment of salvation and robed me in the cloak of justice, like a bride adorned with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 (Roman Missal)

   Gaudens gaudebo in Domino et exsultabit anima mea in Deo meo: quia induit me vestimentis salutis, et indumento iustitiæ circumdedit me, quasi sponsam ornatam monilibus suis.

   Ps. Exaltabo te, Domine, quoniam suscepisti me: nec delecasti inimicos meos super me.(Graduale Romanum)

4. Fourth Sunday of Advent: Missa Rorate Coeli

   Introit: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 (Roman Missal)

   Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete: modestia vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus: Dominus prope est. Nihil solliciti sitis: sed in omni oratione petitiones vestrae innotescant apud Deum.

   Ps. Benedixisti, Domine, terram tuam: avertisti captivitatem Iacob.(Graduale Romanum)

With some recommendations from members at Musica Sacra, I tracked down a few recordings that contain only Advent chants. There are multiple recordings, but these cover most of the introits and the few Advent chants I’d like to play. I'm offering a variety of choices, and I'm sure there are more out there:

• Gregorian Adventby CantArte Regensburg & Hubert Velten. This is my least favorite recording merely because the interpretation of the chant is different than I prefer, but it still is a good cd.
• Gregorian Chant: The Lord Is Near - Chants of Advent (Der Herr Ist Nahe)by Schola of the Benedictine Abbey, Gerleve, Musical Direction: P. Gottfried Meier OSB.
• Chant Grégorien et Polyphonie à l'Abbaye du Bec-Hellouin. This one contains only the first Sunday of Advent, Alma redemptoris Mater, plus other selections from the entire Liturgical Year.
• Gregorian Chant for the Church Year: Advent / Veni Domineby Schola of the Hofburgkapelle of Vienna, directed by Fr. Hubert Dopf, S.J. This is my favorite, but it seems to have become quite rare. It contains all four Advent Sunday Masses, just three O Antiphons and hymn Conditor alme siderum. Former Vienna Choirboys, now men. Perhaps you can find it on iTunes.
• Meinrad Abbey's Advent and Christmas. Contains the first three Sundays of Advent, but does have all the O Antiphons.

Following the example from this post on Ad Te Levavi, there are many different YouTube recordings of the various introits, including the 2nd Sunday’s Populus Sion. Plus, there are loads of various recordings to find online of the chant.

For Advent hymns, here is my short list of favorites.

• Veni, Veni, Emmanuel (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel)

• Rorate Coeli
• Creator alme siderum (Creator of the Stars at Night)
• Alma Redemptoris Mater
• People Look East
• On Jordan’s Bank
• Lo, How a Rose ‘Er Blooming
• Saviour of the Nations, Come
• O Come Divine Messiah

Last year we sang O Come, O Come Emmanuel at the lighting of the Advent Wreath. I’d like the boys to learn “People Look East” and “Creator alme Siderum” this year. I’m not aiming for perfection with words, but familiarity with the tunes.

Two free downloadable books that can help learning the Advent tunes are available from Musica Sacra

• Story of the Redemption for Children
• Ward Hymnal for Children

I have talked about these resources before. I also reviewed a beautiful old picture book that gives a message of why we choose Gregorian chant.

Since the Christmas season extends until January 10, we’re not at a loss for time to hear our favorite records and cds. We do compromise and play some Christmas carols before Christmas, but I try to wait until Gaudete Sunday, when liturgically we are given a glimpse that Christmas is near. Everyone’s taste is individual in music. I know mine runs a little more old-fashioned and traditional. Some of our favorite cds are by the Cambridge Singers, Deller Consort, the Chieftains, the Trapp Family Singers, Notre Dame Glee Club, and a bit of Bing Crosby. I also play versions of the Nutcracker Suite and The Messiah and lots of Christmas chant, too.

If you were to ask me my ultimate favorite cd it would be by the Deller Consort, “Hark Ye Shepherds”. Unfortunately the individual cd is not available, but the fabulous collection Complete Vanguard Classics: Music For The Christmas Season Alfred Deller has been reissued. Ask any of my 6 siblings – we LOVE the version of People Look East. None surpasses this.

Some other of our favorite recordings that we listen to over and over:

• Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers
• The Sound of Christmas with the Trapp Family Singers
• Cambridge Singers Christmas Album
• Christmas Star, Cambridge Singers
• Christmas Night: Carols of the Nativity, Cambridge Singers

So that's my music plan.

1. Emphasize more Advent chants and hymns to sing and to hear during the Advent season, to more closely unite our domestic church with the Church's Advent Liturgy.
2. Hold off on Christmas carols until Christmas, or closer to Christmas.
3. The carols and Christmas music will be deliberate, beautiful choices.

May your Advent and Christmas season be filled with beautiful music to help raise your hearts to God.

Our 2009 Advent Catechesis

2010 Updated reading list can be found here.

I mentioned in my previous Advent pondering post that our main Advent catechesis will be using three key books by Inos Biffi and illustrated by Franco Vignazia. They are available for sale at Family-Centered Press. The Advent Book Package is an excellent deal!

 These books explain so clearly the Liturgical Year and the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas; they are the perfect catechesis for both children and adults. The text is wonderfully supported by the rich flowing illustrations.

I'm crazy about the illustrations by Franco Vignazia. The images themselves are catechetical in nature -- just like the old illuminated manuscripts and stained glass windows that even young children and illiterate faithful could learn and contemplate great mysteries of the faith. Vignazia's is reminiscent of various methods, like religious icons and illuminated maniscripts. My sons have loved just to gaze at the beautiful illustrations for long periods.

  Download Advent Reading 2009 This is a Word document, so you can tweak to what works for you.

I decided to break the books down so that they would last through Advent. I know there will be days we'll add and subtract. The sections are short, but meaty. I'd like to keep them smaller for the most part to leave time to soak in the richness. We'll begin on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29. The readings are small chunks, skipping Saturdays, but including Sundays. Looking ahead to the Christmas season, I know we won't be doing much formal studying, so I'm going to include reading about the Christmas season in Advent.

We will begin with An Introduction to the Liturgical Year by Inos Biffi, as this is the beginning of the new Liturgical Year. We will read the Part One: Advent and Christmas Seaons during the first two weeks of Advent.

For a few years now we have hung a round liturgical calendar in our kitchen, discussed, and tried living the liturgical year in various ways. Every liturgical year cycle we are called to go in deeper into the Paschal Mystery, to understand more so that we can love and serve God even more. An Introduction to the Liturgical Year is the next step in understanding the symbolism and meaning of the various liturgical seasons and feasts.

On the Third Sunday of Advent we will begin The Way to Bethlehem by Inos Biffi which covers similar items as the first book, but a little more detailed at the Nativity story. Both these books cover the coming of the Messiah, with the prophecies, the prophets, the forerunners of Christ, the key Advent figures that lead to His birth in Bethlehem, and also the saints of the season.

On December 8, we take a break to view The Life of Mary. I'm finishing up the school year on the 23rd.

I've added a few readings from Ethel Marbach Pochocki’s Saints of the Season for Children (or Saints in Waiting, both out of print) and her Around the Year Once Upon a Time Saints. These will be used as extra reading on the saints' days in Advent, and reading for the key Advent figures (Isaiah, John the Baptist, and St. Joseph).

 If there's interest for fun reading, we'll read along daily Destination Bethlehem by Sharon Altman and Christine Winkelman.

That's a peek at our Advent reading plans, although I know how things can change even if they are carved in stone. Come Thou, O Long Awaited Messiah!

O Antiphons

Today begins the Christmas Novena.

The jewels of the Church's Liturgy, the O Antiphons, begin tomorrow, December 17. See my earlier post explaining the The Great O Antiphons and some food ideas at Catholic Cuisine.

A few years ago there was a "Parade of O Antiphon Houses" on a blog that is no longer active, inspired by this article at Catholic Culture (original idea from Helen McLoughlin) where the instructions for a paper O Antiphon paper house are given. Below are a variety of interpretations of O Antiphon Houses for inspiration for your own Domestic Church. Please leave a comment if you would like to have a link added to the list.

• Just Another Day in Paradise
Cause of Our Joy
• St. Athanasius Academy
• Our Domestic Church
• Memories of a Catholic Wife and Mother
• Enjoy the Journey
• And Now For Seven
• Real Learning In the Heart of My Home
• By Sun and Candlelight
• The Cabbage Patch
• Gladdest Hours
• Catholic Family Vignettes/
• Gratiae ut Deus
• Shower of Roses

Some other interpretations of presenting O Antiphons:

• St. Francis Academy, O Antiphon Ornaments
• Castle of the Immaculate, O Antiphon ornaments
• Lettres de mon Moulin Altoid Tin O Antiphons
• Under Her Starry Mantle O Antiphon Poinsettia Wreath.
• Maverick Mama, Book Display
• O Night Divine, Alice Gunther's Jesse Tree blocks including O Antiphons

MaryM also posted templates at 4Real to make a paper Antiphon House.

Come, O Emmanuel! Do Not Tarry!

 

Written by Jennifer Gregory Miller

Rejoice in the Lord Always -- Gaudete Sunday

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near. (Phil 4:4,5)

From the Introit of the Third Sunday of Advent:

This Sunday marks the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday from the first word "Rejoice" used in the Introit or entrance antiphon of Sunday's Liturgy. "Rejoice" is also repeated throughout the readings and prayers. The vestments worn by the priest can be the color rose (or pink), as is the third candle of the Advent wreath, reminding us that Christmas is near; we are close to the end of Advent, and we can hardly contain our joy. Rev. Edward Sutfin in his True Christmas Spirit shares a beautiful description of this day:

This Sunday introduces us into the second half of the season of Advent, and at the opening of Matins our anxiety and joy are given impetus: "The Lord is already near. Come, let us adore Him!" (Invitatory) The entire week is one of the richest of the entire year of grace, for during this week fall the magnificent Ember Days and the beginning of the "O antiphons."

All of us are children this Sunday, for we are unable to restrain our impatience at the coming of the Saviour. Our joy urges us to celebrate in the great basilica of St. Peter, so that all mankind may share it with us. The penitential violet of Advent is changed to rose, and at the Gospel even the Precursor announces to the city that "He is in our midst." Christ the Lord is even today present through grace, as He will be with us forever in glory.

December 16 marks Day One of the Christmas Novena.

December 17 is the first of the Great O Antiphons.

Wednesday, December 17 is also the first of the Winter Ember Days.

For our family, Sunday we will be "Decking the Halls" as we will be decorating our tree and house. My ideal is to wait until the 3rd Sunday of Advent, especially if Advent is longer, which it is this year.

Since we are in decorating mode, I always like to think of a handmade ornament or garland to hang on the tree. I found a perfect book this year at a library booksale. Christmas Crafts: Things to Make the 24 Days Before Christmasby Carolyn Meyer, illustrated by Anita Lobel, Harper and Row, 1974. It's from a secular viewpoint written for children, ages 9-12, but so many of the crafts correspond to our Liturgical Calendar, for example, Advent Calendar and Advent Wreath December 1 and 2, St. Nicholas' Day Stocking for December 6, God's Eyes for December 9 (Juan Diego), St. Lucia Buns for December 13. Although written for children, this could easily be a family book. There is a wide range of crafts for all skill levels (including kitchen ideas). Check your libraries first (my local one carries it).

The craft I'm enjoying this week is "Crocheting a Star Chain" for December 20. The project is based on several versions of the Christmas Legend of the Spider, including this tale:

In one version, a poor woman, the kindhearted mother of many children, was unhappy because she had nothing with which to trim a Christmas tree for her family. But during the night, the household spiders went from branch to branch of the bare tree, spinning their delicate webs. As a reward for the woman's faith and goodness, the Christ Child caused the webs to turn to pure silver.

Ms. Meyer includes simple "how to crochet" instructions and then this delightful pattern. Use medium to heavy weight yarn, preferably white. You'll need a medium size crochet hook, size G or 6 for the worsted, and larger for heavier yarn. (I used leftover white cotton/rayon Touché by Berroco).

Make a loop for the hook. Chain 6 loops and form a ring with a slip stitch. Make 2 single crochets in the ring. Chain 5 loops. Repeat the "2 single crochets--chain 5 loops" steps four more times. This makes 5 parts of the star around the center ring. Join the last chain loop to the first single crochet with a slip stitch.

Then make a chain 7 inches long. Count back 6 loops from the hook and push the hook through the loop. Form a ring. Work another 5 part star around the ring.

Continue making chains and stars until the chain is at least several feetlong. Drape it on the branches of your tree. The spiders will be envious. But your friends needn't be--you can give them some as presents.

(To make a single star, without the chain, cut the yarn when you've finished the star, leaving a 6-inch tail, and draw it through the slip stitch. Make a loop with the tail for haing the star on the tree.)

This makes a lovely garland. Once you foray into white crochet, try going into thread crochet. I started crocheting doilies and Christmas snowflakes in thread crochet at the old age of 12. Thread crochet creates beautiful items every spider would envy.

May your family share the joy that Christ is near. O Come, Emmanuel, Do Not Delay!

Written by Jennifer Gregory Miller

Salvation History Presented Through the Advent Wreath

Last year I posted about one of my favorite Advent quotes:

This passage from A Right to be Merry has always inspired me during Advent. I love the naming of the Advent candles in the wreath, marking the journey through time with prominent figures of our Advent Liturgy: Isaiah, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In Advent, we gather each Sunday evening in the community room under the big green wreath that swings above our heads on long purple ribbons. There are four tall candles set in the wreath, and each week Mother Abbess lights one more, first sprinkling the wreath and us with holy water and then reciting the day's collect, full of the Church's immense yearning for the coming of the little Redeemer. "Come! Come! Come!" And we stand under the wreath where the Isaias-candle burns, and the St. John Baptist-candle, and the St. Joseph-candle joined at last by the Mary-candle; and we sing: "Veni, veni, Emmanuel." The monastery is on tiptoe with expectation, and the colored ropes and bells and stars that happy-faced nuns will soon be draping and pinning all over the monastery take their meaning from these prayers and these Office chants.

from A Right to be Merry by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C., Copyright 1973 from Franciscan Herald Press, p. 90.

Except for the third Sunday of Advent which has the St. Joseph candle, the readings from the Advent Sunday Masses reflect these named candles. These are key figures of the Advent liturgy. And for those who don't have time to do a Jesse tree this is a small way to bring in the Old and New Testament into our Advent prayers.

Revisiting this devotion, I decided to incorporate this practice with our family. My oldest son is 5, and I’d like to wait just a bit longer before immersing him into the Jesse Tree. I don’t think the Jesse Tree is above his level, but I would rather concentrate on the key figures of the Advent and Nativity story now. From there we further build the Advent Tree.

The four principle figures of the Church's Advent Liturgy and also our Salvation history are Isaiah the prophet, John the Baptist, Joseph of Nazareth, foster father of Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and this would be reflected on our Advent wreath. Dinnertime is the peg for most of our Advent devotions, especially the Advent wreath. Our wreath is a simple brass ring with candleholders with artificial greenery wrapped around the ring.  Taper candles, usually not wider than one inch in diameter is the usual type of candle used.

I wanted to designate our candles by the names. I had tried thinking of ways to make symbols or figures to put around the candle, but I was worried about the open flame, and thought the simpler the better. For 70 cents each I bought four unfinished wood napkin rings (about 2 inches in diameter) at A.C. Moore and champagne gold acrylic paint. After lightly sanding and using tackcloth, I painted the whole ring gold (inside too). When the paint was dry with a paint pen I wrote the name on napkin ring for each candle: Isaiah, John, Joseph, and Mary.

Drawing from some of the inspiration of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd with the Advent Prophecies and prayer cards, I wanted to tie in words of the liturgy to our candles. Using both the Mass propers and readings and the Liturgy of the Hours, there were a few quotes to illustrate each week. I tried drawing only the liturgy of the designated week, but it’s easy to pull in all sorts of quotes especially from Isaiah throughout the 4 weeks. Isaiah 9:2 is not drawn from the liturgy, but is one of the main Advent prophecies used in the Atrium. It made a lingering impression on my son and so it seemed natural to incorporate it in our Advent wreath devotion. He also chose “Blessed is the fruit of your womb” because he worked on that prayer card and has talked about it ever since.

I made a simple poster from black foam board (I chose black to show the darkness before the Light of World comes) that included images of each figure and one quote for each week. I used 3 purple pages and one rose for each week, and then printed the images on separate white paper and pasted them on the colored pages.

I only have a black and white printer, so I kept the images simple, taken from Eye Contact With God Through Pictures: A Clip Art Book of Pictures from The Ade Bethune Collection. The poster will hang right in our Kitchen near our dinner table, and when we light the Advent wreath, it will include the prayer, quote of the week, and sing a verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Each week a flame to the Advent Wreath candle in the middle of the poster. I've included a WORD document that contains the images and quotes I used.

This is just a basic, simple idea. It could be expanded to have a quote for each day of the week, use the quote(s) for copywork or memorization. Symbols, artwork (easily found through Web Gallery of Art and other sites) and supplemental reading of each figure could be included. I've included a few passages that I might rotate during the week and books from our shelf that we'll pull out that week. Another challenge would be for your child to read along the Mass readings of the day and find some suitable passages.

Besides the books I mentioned, we’ll be reading the Gospel story in various versions about the Incarnation and Nativity to piece the figures and story all together. At Christmas the purple and rose candles are removed, replaced with white or gold candles and fancy bows and a small figurine of Jesus in the manger is placed in the center of the wreath. I’ll also add some image of Jesus in the manger in the middle of the Advent wreath in the poster, making sure the colors reflect the brilliance of the “Light of the World” that has come.

First Week: Isaiah the Prophet

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Isaiah 2:5 O House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Isaiah 30:19 O People in Zion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you.

Isaiah 33:22 For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; he will save us.

Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler, the Lord is our king; he will save us.

Isaiah 40:3 A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!

Supplemental Reading: Remembering the Prophets of Sacred Scripture by Marianna Mayer

Second Week: St. John the Baptist

Matthew 3:3, cf Isaiah 40:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Matthew 3:2 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 3:4 Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and honey.

Matthew 11:11 “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

John 1:28 (from 3rd Sunday): “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

Third Week: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus

Matthew 1: 16 And Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

Cf. Matthew 1:19 Joseph was a just man.

Matthew 1:18 When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 1:20 The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 1:24 When Joseph woke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

Supplemental Reading: Father and Son: A Nativity Storyby Geraldine Mccaughrean

  Fourth Week: Mary, Mother of God

Luke 1:28 “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”

Luke 1:30 “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”

Luke 1:38 “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word.”

Luke 1:42 “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

Isaiah 7:14 Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel (which means, God with us).

Luke 1: 46 My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

Revelation 12:1 (Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe) A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.

Supplemental Reading: Mary Mother of Jesus by Tomie DePaola

Mary Mother of Jesus by Mary Joslin

Mary by Demi

Written by Jennifer Gregory Miller

Fourth Sunday of Advent

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.

Matthew 1:18-24

O Antiphons

The Octave of Christmas begins tonight.  The Golden Nights leading up to the coming of the King.  The Atiphons are sung, or chanted, at evening prayer.

Jennifer Miller wrote a  very thorough post detailing how to pray the O Antiphons.

Other posts:

Alice's Advent Cubes (from last year)
Suzanne always has good information

                          O Anitphon Houses
                          Christine
                          Leticia
                         
And my favorite Ruth did a wonderful job of tying fun activities to do with the children into the whole O Antiphon devotion.  Great job Ruth, thanks for sharing your ingenuity!

Third Sunday of Advent

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
“Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
“What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Matthew 11:2-11