The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Today is the first day we sing the "O Antiphons" of Advent. This rich and meaningful prayer tradition is a wonderful way to countdown to Christmas. Each night for the eight days before Christmas, we ask Christ to come to us and we call him by a different name each day. Nightly prayers begin with one of the I
Each O Antiphon refers to Isaiah's prophecies of the coming of the Lord and highlights the titles of the Messiah. The first line references the hope for the Messiah from the Old Testament and the second line is the plea for the Messiah to come.
We know Jesus, the Messiah, already came on the first Christmas. But during every Advent, we have the opportunity to grow in our longing for the Lord who has come, who is coming, and who will come again.
If you take the first letter of each name and write them backwards, you get “ERO CRAS.” This means “Tomorrow, I will Come” in Latin.
You might recognize some of the words, because the O Antiphons are the basis of the popular hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Each night, pray the O Antiphons as a Church of the Home and read the Canticle of Mary, also known as the Magnificat.
December 17 – O Sapientia
O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things
Come and teach us the way of prudence.
December 18 – O Adonai
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
December 19 – O Radix Jesse
O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer
Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.
December 20 – O Clavis David
O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open
Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
December 21 – O Oriens
O Morning Star, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness
Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
December 22 – O Rex Gentium
O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one
Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.
December 23 – O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Saviour
Come and save us, O Lord our God.
Be The Light
Next weekend is Christmas:
the Celebration of the Incarnation of God - Jesus Christ, the Light of the World!
Every day, we are called to be the Light of Christ to others. In a world with moments of darkness, we can be the bears of Christ's light and shine his love on all people and in all situations.
Watch the video below and reflect/discuss:
How will you be a light to others?
How will your family be a light to the world?
Jo in us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
When it comes to making tough decisions, who do you turn to as a role model? Joseph's example in the nativity story shows us how to approach difficult situations with wisdom, openness, and love. Join Steve as he reflects on this weekend's gospel.
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Families
Tickets are going fast! Get yours before they're sold out!
This January, join Resurrection for a special event called Kentucky Home: a celebration of Merton, Bourbon, and Bent Grass on Tuesday, January 31 at 6:30 PM.
After hearing a presentation on Thomas Merton by Fr. Tim Shillcox, Dr. Paul Wadell will explain what makes bourbon bourbon. There will be several samples (and some wine and mixed drinks). Then, to top off the evening, Bent Grass, the local Bluegrass group from De Pere is going to play some great music.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased after Mass or online at www.gbres.org/kentuckyhome
In case you are unfamiliar with Thomas Merton, here's Fr. James Martin to introduce you to him:
Welcome to Our Newest Parish Family Member
Revealed Podcast
Episode 7 is Now Available!
The Executive Director of Freedom House, Jennifer Schmohe, joins Katie and Tony in discussing how the sacred is revealed in the only family homeless shelter in Northeast Wisconsin.
Announcements
Ruby and Res
Now that the sun goes down so early and the air is cold, Ruby loves cuddling with friends, like Carissa.
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