TOMORROW BRINGS THE LAST DAYS OF THE LITURGICAL COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS : PRAYING THE 'O' ANTIPHONS, DEC. 17-24.........

The turning point in the Advent Season arrives tomorrow, as we begin our immediate preparation for the celebration of Christmas 2009. Following the longstanding tradition of our Catholic-Christian Advent part two liturgies, we prayer th ancient 'O' Antiphons, heralding the Lord's Coming. The 'O' Antiphons are liturgically prayed at Vespers (Evening Prayer) and as the verses of the Gospel Proclamation, on Dec. 17-24. The Advent hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", is based upon the 'O' Antiphons...Fr. Brendan McKeefry preaching at Our Lady of the Assumption's Communal Advent Penance last night spoke of our keeping of this brief season , in the context of Time. How are you spending your Time this Advent ? Is it in a spirit of prayerfulness, anticipation, and joy, or in a frenzy of shopping and socializing, to exhaustion ?? For the peace of Christmas to truly be ours, requires we spend our time in Advent experiencing more of the former and keeping the latter in balance. The shopping and socializing we do during these December Days can be a positive contribution to the true reason for the season, if we keep them in perspective. Practicing them to exhaustion only detaches us from the Lord's Coming this Advent and Christmas. As you celebrate the last days before Christmas what will you do with the Time afforded to you this Advent ? You hold the answer and its potential for your spiritual betterment within you. Tap into it by praying with and through the 'O' Antiphons. Singing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel can help you achieve it.........Come Lord Jesus, Come !!! Fr. Troy