Monthly Archives: December 2024

Daily mass readings for Dec 12, 2024

Daily mass readings : Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Reading 1 : ZEC 2:14-17

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!
See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.
Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day,
and they shall be his people,
and he will dwell among you,
and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.
The LORD will possess Judah as his portion in the holy land,
and he will again choose Jerusalem.
Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD!
For he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.

Or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

God’s temple in heaven was opened,
and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet,
and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.
Then another sign appeared in the sky;
it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns,
and on its heads were seven diadems.
Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky
and hurled them down to the earth.
Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth,
to devour her child when she gave birth.
She gave birth to a son, a male child,
destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.
Her child was caught up to God and his throne.
The woman herself fled into the desert
where she had a place prepared by God.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.”

Responsorial Psalm : JUDITH 13:18BCDE, 19

R. (15:9d) You are the highest honor of our race.
Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,
above all the women on earth;
and blessed be the LORD God,
the creator of heaven and earth.
R. You are the highest honor of our race.
Your deed of hope will never be forgotten
by those who tell of the might of God.
R. You are the highest honor of our race.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise;
from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : LK 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel,
“How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.

or Lk 1:39-47

Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Most blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”

Daily mass readings for Dec 11,2024

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Daily mass readings: Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

Reading 1 : Is 40:25-31

To whom can you liken me as an equal?
says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high
and see who has created these things:
He leads out their army and numbers them,
calling them all by name.
By his great might and the strength of his power
not one of them is missing!
Why, O Jacob, do you say,
and declare, O Israel,
“My way is hidden from the LORD,
and my right is disregarded by my God”?

Do you not know
or have you not heard?
The LORD is the eternal God,
creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint nor grow weary,
and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny.
He gives strength to the fainting;
for the weak he makes vigor abound.
Though young men faint and grow weary,
and youths stagger and fall,
They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength,
they will soar as with eagles’ wings;
They will run and not grow weary,
walk and not grow faint.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10

R. (1) O bless the Lord, my soul!
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul!
He pardons all your iniquities,
he heals all your ills.
He redeems your life from destruction,
he crowns you with kindness and compassion.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul!
Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
R. O bless the Lord, my soul!

Alleluia :

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people;
blessed are those prepared to meet him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mt 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds:
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

Daily mass readings for Dec 10,2024

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Daily mass readings: Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

Reading 1 : Is 40:1-11

Comfort, give comfort to my people,
says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her service is at an end,
her guilt is expiated;
Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD
double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
The rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

A voice says, “Cry out!”
I answer, “What shall I cry out?”
“All flesh is grass,
and all their glory like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower wilts,
when the breath of the LORD blows upon it.
So then, the people is the grass.
Though the grass withers and the flower wilts,
the word of our God stands forever.”

Go up onto a high mountain,
Zion, herald of glad tidings;
Cry out at the top of your voice,
Jerusalem, herald of good news!
Fear not to cry out
and say to the cities of Judah:
Here is your God!
Here comes with power
the Lord GOD,
who rules by his strong arm;
Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs,
Carrying them in his bosom,
and leading the ewes with care.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13

R.(see Isaiah 40:10ab) The Lord our God comes with power.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name;
announce his salvation, day after day.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.
Say among the nations: The LORD is king;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then let all the trees of the forest rejoice.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.
They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord our God comes with power.

Alleluia

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The day of the Lord is near;
Behold, he comes to save us.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Mt 18:12-14

Jesus said to his disciples:
“What is your opinion?
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray,
will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills
and go in search of the stray?
And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it
than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.
In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father
that one of these little ones be lost.”

St. John Berchmans

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Feast day	November 26
Patron	of Altar servers
Birth	1599
Death	1621

St. John Berchmans (1599-1621) was a Belgian Jesuit scholastic and is revered as a saint in the Catholic Church. Born in Diest, Belgium, he was the son of a shoemaker and showed an early inclination towards religious life. He joined the Jesuits in 1616 and was known for his piety, dedication to his studies, and his desire to become a priest2.

Key Highlights of His Life
Early Life: John Berchmans was born on March 13, 1599, and grew up in a religious family. He began his studies for the priesthood at a young age2.

Jesuit Vocation: Despite his father’s initial opposition, John entered the Jesuit novitiate in 1616. He was known for his joy and fidelity in performing his duties2.

Education and Service: He excelled in his studies and was selected to defend the entire course of philosophy in a public disputation. He also served as an altar server and was devoted to the English martyrs2.

Death: John Berchmans died on August 13, 1621, in Rome, at the age of 22. He is often depicted holding a crucifix, a rosary, and the Ignatian Rule2.

Canonization: He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. His feast day is celebrated on November 26th.

Legacy
Saint John Berchmans is the patron saint of altar servers, Jesuit scholastics, and students. His life and dedication continue to inspire many in the pursuit of holiness and religious commitment.

Daily mass readings for Dec 9,2024

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Daily mass readings: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Reading 1 : Gn 3:9-15, 20

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree,
the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?”
He answered, “I heard you in the garden;
but I was afraid, because I was naked,
so I hid myself.”
Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked?
You have eaten, then,
from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!”
The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me–
she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.”
The LORD God then asked the woman,
“Why did you do such a thing?”
The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.”

Then the LORD God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this, you shall be banned
from all the animals
and from all the wild creatures;
on your belly shall you crawl,
and dirt shall you eat
all the days of your life.
I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike at your head,
while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve,
because she became the mother of all the living.

Responsorial Psalm : PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (1) Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Reading 2 : Eph 1:3-6, 11-12

Brothers and sisters:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.

In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.

Alleluia : See Lk 1:28

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 1:26-38

25 Advent Prayers for Families to Share Each Day of Advent

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During the Advent season, Christians take time to honor the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, on Earth. Christmas is a highly anticipated event in the Christian faith. It marks the birth of the Messiah in a manger to a virgin mother. This fulfills ancient prophecies. It initiates a series of events to save the world from sin. This is the essence of the Advent season.

In this special time of Advent, we invite you to join us in daily prayer and reflection. Jesus remains with us always, Emmanuel, God with us. Here are Advent prayers for each day of Advent, which you can pray alone, with your family, or with friends. These 25 short Advent prayers will connect your heart and mind each day. They remind you of the reason for our joy this holiday season. They also provide hope for the future.

Day 1: An Advent Prayer to the Light of the World

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2

“Light” represents the presence of God. God spoke through Isaiah, hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, to tell His people Jesus would be “light” for everyone.

Father,

The way you spoke through Isaiah hundreds of years before Jesus was born is amazing! It helps us to understand your omnipresence and your plan from the beginning of time. Help us to understand your light, and what it means to be in your presence. We want to live in your light, Father. We aim to reflect the light of Christ to others. Jesus came to be a light to all of us, not just a certain people group. He came to brighten up all of our days. Help us to discover this light in us, Father, and shine brightly for your kingdom!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 2: A Prayer to Our Wonderful Counselor

“For to us a child is born. To us a son is given. The government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Ancient names and titles have rich and deep meanings. These four names given to the Messiah specifically describe his character. They are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Father,

We are in awe of who you are, and who Jesus is. May we understand more each and every day of Advent what these names in Isaiah 9:6 mean. May we grow closer to our Savior Jesus as we learn more about Him. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Wonderful Counselor, thank you for being the one who marvelously works all things out for our good and God’s glory. Help us have a better glimpse and understanding of your magnificent power and miraculous nature.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 3: Root of Jesse

“In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal for the peoples. The nations shall inquire of him. His resting place shall be glorious.” – Isaiah 11:1

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” – Revelation 22:16

Only a small remnant of God’s people remained during Isaiah’s time. However, from a seemingly impossible situation, the Savior of the world would emerge.

Father,

Thank you for our Root of Jesse, our bright Morning Star. Thank you that out of the smallest remnant you brought your son. He has paved the way for all tribes, tongues, and nations to know you. They will rejoice with you one day in Eternity. We look to the past and see how you have fulfilled your promises to us. Let us look to the future with hope. We have the certainty that we will one day be in the presence of the Root of Jesse.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 4: An Advent Prayer for the Spirit to Rest on and in Us

“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him. It is the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding. It is the Spirit of counsel and of might. It is the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.” – Isaiah 11:2

Predicted hundreds of years earlier in Isaiah, John the Baptist witnessed the Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism. Today, we have that same Spirit in us, helping us take hold of the mighty faith we proclaim.

Father,

Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christmas. May the Spirit of wisdom and understanding be with us. Let the Spirit of counsel and of might also guide us. The Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord should direct us during this special season. This is a celebration for the gift that Jesus is. Help us to understand and obey you. We do this by listening and paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s presence in us as believers. We follow Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 5: An Advent Prayer of Praise for the Prophetic Word of Truth

“…I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning …” – Luke 1:3

Luke, a doctor, was familiar with investigating facts. His account, and many others, reveal that Jesus’ life not only fulfilled over 300 Biblical prophesies, but is historical fact.

Father,

The Bible is not just a bunch of stories. It is the truth. Help us to embrace the historical significance of Scripture. Strengthen our trust in you to explain the parts we don’t understand. We trust you to do so in your perfect timing. Advent should create in us a hope rooted in Jesus Christ, as we discover who he is in the Bible. We connect the Old and New Testaments of Scripture. We know we can trust your Word as absolute truth. Let Jesus come alive in us like never before.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 6: An Advent Prayer of Praise for the Life of Jesus

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth with bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” – Luke 1:13

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. – Luke 1:41

Father,

It is a joy to discover the way You pieced together Jesus’ earthly family. He had brothers, sisters, and cousins, just like we do! Though Savior of the world, He experienced life on earth as we do. Because of this, we can relate to Jesus in a special way. He truly knows how we feel and understands both the best and hardest parts of living on Earth. We’re thankful that Jesus’ calls us friends, and that he has grafted us into his family. He is always with us. We are never alone.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 7: Against Unbelief

“I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God. I have been sent to speak to you. I have come to tell you this good news. You will now be silent. You will not be able to speak until the day this happens. This is because you did not believe my words. They will come true at their appointed time.” – Luke 1:19-20

Father,

Forgive us for our unbelief. We, like Zechariah, have a hard time believing things we cannot see or make sense of ourselves. Jesus said he came so that we would live life to the full (John 10:10). However, we can’t experience that fullness when we doubt you and your ways. Help us to trust you, Father. Increase our faith! We want to live life to the full. As we prepare our hearts this Advent season, teach us how to embrace the truth of Christ. We want to fully live.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 8: An Advent Prayer to Take Hold of Our Faith

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David. He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever. His kingdom will never end.” – Luke 1:30-33

The angel’s news fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah. It provides a message: “The Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son. She will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14

Father,

Today we remember the earthly mother of Jesus. We thank you for her example of great faith and trust in you. “‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?” Let our response to impossible situations be like Mary’s. We should be inquisitive, but not doubtful of what our great God is capable of. “For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:35). Lord, please help us have the same hopeful faith. Mary showed this when she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant …May your word to me be fulfilled.” For you have great things in store for those who say ‘yes’ to you, God!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 9: Praise That God Has Prepared a Way for Us!

“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David.” Matthew 1:1

Father,

Only you could orchestrate forty-two generations of storied history and fulfilled prophesy leading up to the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ. We are in AWE of your great plan for us. Each name we read in Scripture has a story attached. These stories help us learn more about who you are. They also show who we are as yours. This Advent season, grow in our hearts a love and appreciation for your compassionate heart toward us. Thank you for preparing the way for us, and sending your only Son, Jesus, to save us. Great are you, LORD.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 10: To Leap for Joy This Christmas

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!’” Luke 1:41-42

Leaping was and is an expression of joy. Imagine, John in his mother’s womb divinely experiencing joy in the presence of Jesus!

Father,

The Advent season causes us to anticipate the joy of Christmas morning. Our prayer today is that the joy we feel at Christmas will last throughout the year! Will you bless our minds and hearts to remember and celebrate Christmas joy all year-round?

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 11: Mary’s Song: An Advent Prayer of Rejoicing

“My soul glorifies the Lord. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.” – Luke 1:47-48

“Mary’s Song” (Luke 1:46-56) begins with her sheer joy over the fact that God had noticed her. He is a personal God, and notices all of His children.

Father,

On this day of Advent, we thank you for noticing us! Like Mary, we are blown away by the way you see all of us so personally. Jesus being born on Christmas means that our relationship with you can be personal through prayer. It means through your Word. It also means through the Holy Spirit in us. Amazing is the way you created us and care for us so specifically. Like Mary, we praise you, Father, for WHO YOU ARE.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 12: Zechariah’s Song: An Advent Prayer on Preparation for Jesus’ Arrival

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High. You will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him. You will give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. This is because of the tender mercy of our God. The rising sun will come to us from heaven. It will shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death. It will guide our feet into the path of peace.” – Luke 1:76-79

“Zechariah’s Song” (Luke 1:68-80) is recorded after John the Baptist’s birth. Zechariah obediently agreed his name should be John. It should not be a family name. His trust in God restored his speech!

Father,

Advent is a special time in which we prepare for Jesus’ birth. Even the birth of John, the one who would prepare the way for Jesus, was special. And how compassionate was your heart to restore Zechariah’s speech, giving him another chance to be faithful! Nothing you do, Father, is a coincidence. We love discovering you in the Christmas story of Jesus. Help us to remember that your work in our lives is just as special and specific.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 13: To Believe the Truth of the Good News

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife. What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son. You are to give him the name Jesus. He will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21

Joseph didn’t want to embarrass Mary. He did not believe her at first. He was still planning on divorcing her quietly before the angel visited him.

Father,

We remember Joseph today, and realize in a new way what courage it must have taken him to marry Mary! He didn’t believe her at first, Father, and nor do we believe people who are speaking truth to us sometimes. The angel visited Joseph to clarify the truth. He assured him the child was from the Holy Spirit. We pray to be able to hear Your voice clearly through whomever you choose to speak through in our lives. As we follow Christ in our daily lives, we pray to be obedient to you.

In Jesus ‘ Name,
Amen.

Day 14: An Advent Prayer for Obedience Even When It’s Hard

“Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea. He traveled to Bethlehem, the town of David. He made the journey because he belonged to the house and line of David.” – Luke 2:4

Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem for a census decreed by Caesar for the entire Roman Empire, however, their location fulfilled Isaiah 9:7, “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom …”

Father,

Every part of Christ’s birth story reflects a prophecy fulfilled. The faithfulness of Joseph and Mary is inspiring, and we pray to be obedient as they were. Life didn’t stop for them because You chose them for this important mission. They still had to go to Bethlehem for the census decreed by Caesar. But God, your purposes were greater, then and now. Help us to remember, when life is unfair and hard, you are still at work in our lives. And nothing can stop the work You have started.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 15: A Prayer of Praise to Our Immanuel, God Is with Us!

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2: 6-7

The simplicity of Jesus’ birth circumstances tells us a lot about Him. He didn’t come into this world in a palace. Instead, he was born in a stable. Some say it was a cave used as a stable.

Father,

Praise, glory and hallelujah for the birth of Christ our King! Help us to learn from the humble circumstances Jesus was born unto on earth. The lack of room for Mary and Joseph did not delay You from coming to earth to be with us. Immanuel means, “God with us.” You are a God of purpose, intention and perfect timing. Allow us to discover who you are through the birth of Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 16: An Advent Prayer for the “Shepherds” in Our Communities

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them. The glory of the Lord shone around them. They were terrified.” – Luke 2:8-9

“Shepherd” was not a glamorous job. Shepherds were dirty and smelly from tending their sheep, and a lower class in society. Yet the angel appeared to them! Who in your communities are looked down upon? Who might have received the glorious good news today?

Father,

The care and compassion shown to shepherds, who were not looked upon very highly in their day, taught us something. They witnessed an angel and Your glory. This teaches us You value all of us. You value us no matter what we do and how looked down upon we may be. This Advent season, open our eyes to see the “shepherds” in our lives and communities. Teach us to love them as we would any other. Create in us hearts of compassion, and like the shepherds, hearts filled with awe of who you are.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 17: In Awe to Jesus Who Came Down from Heaven

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.’” – Luke 2:10

The fear the shepherds felt was the same fear that struck Zechariah when the angel visited him. God’s holiness creates a reaction of awe when we are in the presence of his glory.

Father,

Many times, you tell us not to be afraid. Help us to understand the difference between fearing the things of this world and fearing you in respectful awe. We want to fear you, God, meaning to be in awe of who you are and your love for us. Remind us that other things threatening to scare us will pass away. You promise to defend us, provide for us, and love us eternally. Jesus’ birth on earth and death on the cross is the greatest expression of your love for us. This Advent, let us be in awe of the plan you put in place to save us from our sin. A baby, born in a manger. your Son. Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 18: Thankfulness That Jesus Took on Human Likeness

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11

The angel echoed Isaiah 43:11: “I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.”

Father,

Fill our hearts with the truth of the angel’s words. Because of Jesus, as believers we never have to be apart from you again. Thank you for giving us the gift of your Son. Jesus, thank You for taking on all of our sin by way of the cross. Thank you for walking the earth. You came to understand how we feel. You comfort us in a way no one else can. You truly are, a joy for all people. Let us not forget the joy and peace you give us through our salvation. Don’t let the weight of this world and the everyday stress of life cause us to forget it… or you.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 19: An Advent Prayer of Praise for the Signs and Wonders of Christmas

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12

The shepherds returned. They glorified and praised God for all the things they had heard and seen. Everything was just as they had been told. – Luke 2:20

Father,

We praise You for giving us signs and wonders! For communicating to us through prayer and miracles. Help us to see your hand in this world, Father. You are always with us, guiding us, providing for us, and embracing us in your perfect love. We are the ones who get sidetracked by life and it’s distracting circumstances. May we stay focused on you intently this Advent season. May we continue to focus beyond this season, knowing and trusting in Your work in our lives. Help us see the everyday miracles of your presence and provision in our lives.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 20: A Prayer to Declare God’s Glory in the Highest

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host. They praised God and said, ‘Glory to God in the highest. On earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” – Luke 2:13-14

The angels sang praise to God in heaven. They sang of the unique peace believers in Christ experience in mind, body, and soul.

Father,

Glory to God in the highest! Oh, Lord, how we want to experience your glory to the full, because there is nothing that compares to it. Nothing on earth, no person or accomplishment, can satisfy our souls completely. We were made to enjoy you and glorify you. Today we declare your glory! We see it in all the beautiful decorations of the season and the cheerful faces around us. We see your glory in all you have created. Help us glorify you today!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 21: An Advent Prayer for God to Give Us the Courage to “Go” and “Tell” of Jesus.

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15

In their travels to see Jesus, the shepherds spread the word of what had happened.

Father,

We are called to “go” and “tell” of the good news of Jesus. Just like the shepherds on the night of our Savior’s birth, we are called to go. We should shine light in dark places by speaking of Jesus. We must live in such a way that our lives reflect his glory at work in us. But Father, it costs us to follow Christ, and we often lack courage. Give us a boost of bravery when we need it. Help us remember the shepherds’ awe. They couldn’t help but spread the good news of Christ’s birth. Let us be so full of Your love that we cannot contain it.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 22: An Advent Prayer to Treasure All These Things In Our Heart

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19

The observance about Mary in this verse is repeated in Luke 2:51 after Jesus is found at the temple.

Father,

The way You have created us is complex and wonderful. Full of thoughts and brimming with emotion, help us to remember the special moments we experience You in our lives. Mary preserved certain moments in her heart. She had the privilege of raising Jesus as her earthly son. Let us not take for granted any of the things or opportunities we are blessed with in life. May we hold Your love especially close, and top of mind, as we reflect on this Advent season. Help us treasure the good news for us in our hearts today.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 23: To Remember We Were Created in Love

“On the eighth day, it was time to circumcise the child. He was named Jesus. This was the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” – Luke 2:21

God knew all of us before the day we were born. The Bible says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

Father,

You knew us before we breathed in our first breath of earthly air. Just as Jesus was with You in the beginning. Your purpose for us is good, because You are good. Help us to remember that we are known to You. We are special to You. We are purposed by You to do great things. Let us celebrate Christmas! Because of Jesus, we can live the full life You designed for us. You know and love us, Father, so much. Thank You. We love You.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 24: To Fix Our Eyes on Jesus

“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:10-11

The wise men studied and followed the star that led them to Jesus. Along the way, they encounter King Herod, who told them to report the child’s location back to him. Warned in a dream to return home, they did not inform the king.

Father,

The wise men followed the star faithfully, not knowing where it would lead them. Help us to follow You faithfully. We may not know what we will have to go through in this life. But we know we will eventually be with You eternally in heaven. Help us to fix our eyes on You, Jesus. Let us bow down and worship You in awe. We should do this as the three kings we read about today did. Let us offer the best of ourselves, as they presented you with gifts. This Christmas, as we exchange presents with each other, help us to remember. You, Jesus, are the greatest gift of all time.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Day 25: An Advent Prayer to Our Emmanuel, Jesus, Who Is Always With Us

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” – 2 Corinthians 9:15

Emmanuel means “God with us.” It’s a word we sing about at Christmastime. For believers, it’s a loving reminder that He remains “with us” always.

Father,

Today we are taking the time to prayerfully thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ. He is the reason we celebrate Advent and Christmas. May we remember Christ in a special way throughout the day. You love us so much, God. You made a way for us to be close to You. Eventually, we will be with You in heaven, forever. And that way …is Jesus. It’s hard to understand Your great love for us. Yet, we will remain grateful for it each and every day. Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.