Mary and Joseph, the shepherds who hurried from their fields, the three Magi who went to meet the King Who was to be born… all were touched and attracted by the mystery of God made man. They all had an encounter with the Lord, albeit in different ways. Read More
Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord: “Rejoice, Christ is born!”
During the octave of Christmas, I would like to offer a simple meditation each day on the event of the Nativity of the Lord, interspersed with carols performed by Harpa Dei. I hope that this will help us to enter more deeply into the great mystery of this feast.
Rejoice, Christ is born! -is the cry of joy that fills heaven and earth. Rejoice, all you who have received this good news!
Waiting for the Lord
How long the Israelites waited for the Messiah! Then, when He came and the promises began to be fulfilled, they did not recognise Him. What a tragedy! Now the believing Jews are still waiting for Him… They are also waiting for the coming of the Prophet Elijah, who is to precede the Messiah. But he too has already come: “If you will believe me, he is the Elijah who was to return”, says Jesus, referring to John the Baptist (Mt 11:14). Read More
Seventh Antiphon O: “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. Read More
Sixth O Antiphon: “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. Read More
Fifth antiphon O: “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. Read More
Fourth O Antiphon: “O Clavis David”
O Key of David and Sceptre of the house of Israel,
Who dost open and no man doth shut,
Who dost shut and no man doth open,
come and bring forth from his prisonhouse
the captive that sitteth in darkness and in the shadow of death. Read More
Third O antiphon: “O Radix Iesse”
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. Read More
Second O antiphon: “O Adonai”
O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel,
Who didst appear to Moses in the flame of the burning bush,
and didst give unto him the Law on Sinai:
come and with an outstretched arm redeem us. Read More
First O antiphon: “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. Read More