Adult / Couple
Pray!
O Antiphon Prayer
There is a beautiful Advent tradition that has become the "countdown" to Christmas. It is a series of prayers called the "O Antiphons" used one-by-one from December 17 - 23. Each antiphon gives a title to Jesus, based on an Old Testament image. The prayer then calls upon Jesus to come and be the fulfillment of those Old Testament expectations. As part of your Advent prayer from now until Christmas, pray and reflect on these Antiphons.
O Wisdom of our God Most HIgh, guiding creation with power and love: teach us to walk in the paths of knowledge!
O Adonai, Leader of ancient Israel, giver of the law to Moses on Sinai: rescue us with your mighty power!
O Flower of Jesse's stem, sign of God's love for all people: save us without delay!
O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom: free the prisoners of darkness.
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: shine on those lost in the darkness of death!
O King of all the nations, source of your church's unity and faith: save us all, your own creation!
O Emmanuel, God's saving presence among us, our King, our Judge: save us, Lord our God!
Let us pray:
God of glory and compassion, at your touch the wilderness blossoms, broken lives are made whole, and fearful hearts grow strong in faith.
Open our eyes to your presence and awaken our hearts to sing your praise.
To all who long for your Son's return grant perseverance and patience, that we may announce in word and deed the good news of the kingdom.
We ask this through him whose coming in certain, whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN
O Antiphon Prayer
There is a beautiful Advent tradition that has become the "countdown" to Christmas. It is a series of prayers called the "O Antiphons" used one-by-one from December 17 - 23. Each antiphon gives a title to Jesus, based on an Old Testament image. The prayer then calls upon Jesus to come and be the fulfillment of those Old Testament expectations. As part of your Advent prayer from now until Christmas, pray and reflect on these Antiphons.
O Wisdom of our God Most HIgh, guiding creation with power and love: teach us to walk in the paths of knowledge!
O Adonai, Leader of ancient Israel, giver of the law to Moses on Sinai: rescue us with your mighty power!
O Flower of Jesse's stem, sign of God's love for all people: save us without delay!
O Key of David, opening the gates of God's eternal Kingdom: free the prisoners of darkness.
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: shine on those lost in the darkness of death!
O King of all the nations, source of your church's unity and faith: save us all, your own creation!
O Emmanuel, God's saving presence among us, our King, our Judge: save us, Lord our God!
Let us pray:
God of glory and compassion, at your touch the wilderness blossoms, broken lives are made whole, and fearful hearts grow strong in faith.
Open our eyes to your presence and awaken our hearts to sing your praise.
To all who long for your Son's return grant perseverance and patience, that we may announce in word and deed the good news of the kingdom.
We ask this through him whose coming in certain, whose day draws near:
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. AMEN
Learn!
The First Sunday of Advent begins Cycle B in the Lectionary. From now until next Advent many of the Sunday Gospels will be taken from the Gospel of Mark.
Have you ever been ridiculed or rejected by others - maybe even your friends - for trying to do something good? Jesus would understand your feelings. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is misunderstood and abandoned by those closest to him. This Gospel was written for early Christians experiencing persecution or death for their faith. The author is reminding them and us to put our total trust in God as Jesus did, despite whatever difficulties we encounter being a Christian.
This Gospel was written from approximately AD 65 - 70. This was the first written Gospel. The main audience was non-Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution because of their belief in Jesus. Mark portrays Jesus as a healer and miracle worker who accepts suffering as the cost for following God's will. Jesus is seen as a man of action - human in his feelings, and always on the move fulfilling his mission.
Have you ever been ridiculed or rejected by others - maybe even your friends - for trying to do something good? Jesus would understand your feelings. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is misunderstood and abandoned by those closest to him. This Gospel was written for early Christians experiencing persecution or death for their faith. The author is reminding them and us to put our total trust in God as Jesus did, despite whatever difficulties we encounter being a Christian.
This Gospel was written from approximately AD 65 - 70. This was the first written Gospel. The main audience was non-Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution because of their belief in Jesus. Mark portrays Jesus as a healer and miracle worker who accepts suffering as the cost for following God's will. Jesus is seen as a man of action - human in his feelings, and always on the move fulfilling his mission.
Do!
The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and can easily be read in one sitting. Take time this next month and treat yourself to reading the Gospel according to Mark!
