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Thursday, December 22, 2016

Fourth Thursday of Advent 2016

~The O ANTIPHON for today is COME O KING OF ALL NATIONS~
     O Come, Desire of Nations, Bind
     In one the hearts of all mankind
     Bid every strife and quarrel cease
     And fill the world with Heaven's peace.

Jesse Tree Story: JOSEPH
Jesse Tree Symbol: CARPENTER'S SQUARE OR HAMMER

Scripture: "Now the procreation of the Christ occurred in this way. After his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they lived together, she was found to have conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband, since he was just and was not willing to hand her over, preferred to send her away secretly. But while thinking over these things, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to accept Mary as your wife. For what has been formed in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall give birth to a son. And you shall call his name JESUS. For he shall accomplish the salvation of his people from their sins." Now all this occurred in order to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive in her womb, and she shall give birth to a son. And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which means: God is with us.” Then Joseph, arising from sleep, did just as the Angel of the Lord had instructed him, and he accepted her as his wife. And he knew her not, yet she bore her son, the firstborn. And he called his name JESUS.
Matthew 1:18-25

Commentary: Through the story of Joseph, we learn to trust in God's Will. Although Joseph could have quietly divorced Mary, he chose instead to stand firm by her side, will God's help....even if he did not understand God's Will. Joseph gave Jesus the care, love and protection of a human father.

Readings of the Day:
1 Samuel 1:24-28
1 Samuel 2
Luke 1:46-56
 

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