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Monday, December 19, 2016

Fourth Monday of Advent 2016

~Today's O ANTIPHON is THE FLOWER OF JESSE'S STEM.~
     O Come, thou Rod of Jesse's Stem,
     From every foe deliver them
     That trust Thy mighty power to save
     And give them victory o'er the grave.

Jesse Tree Story:  THE THREE MAGI
Jesse Tree Symbol:  A LIGHTED CANDLE

Scripture: "And so, when Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judah, in the days of king Herod, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying: “Where is he who was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to adore him.” Now king Herod, hearing this, was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the leaders of the priests, and the scribes of the people, he consulted with them as to where the Christ would be born. And they said to him: “In Bethlehem of Judea. For so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, the land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah. For from you shall go forth the ruler who shall guide my people Israel.’ ”Then Herod, quietly calling the Magi, diligently learned from them the time when the star appeared to them. And sending them into Bethlehem, he said: “Go and diligently ask questions about the boy. And when you have found him, report back to me, so that I, too, may come and adore him.” And when they had heard the king, they went away. And behold, the star that they had seen in the east went before them, even until, arriving, it stood still above the place where the child was. Then, seeing the star, they were gladdened by a very great joy. And entering the home, they found the boy with his mother Mary. And so, falling prostrate, they adored him. And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received a response in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back by another way to their own region."
Matthew 2:1-12

Commentary: The three Magi look for Jesus, guided by the light of a star, shining brightly above his birthplace.  They prostrate themselves before the manger and present their gifts.  The white candle symbolizes Christ; the glow reminds us of the halo of  light that signifies his divinity and power." 

Readings of the Day:
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25
Psalm 71
Luke 1:5-25
 

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