Pastor's Letter -- December 19, 2021

Dearly beloved parishioners,

We have come to the final week of Advent, and Christmas is right around the corner. We thank the Lord for a blessed Advent,
and like John, we leap for joy as we welcome the fruit of Mary’s womb, our long expected Messiah. From the 8th century
Christians have expressed this hope in the coming of Christ by proclaiming what today is known as the “O Antiphons.” These are
antiphons that introduce the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. These antiphons are very appropriate
for these last days of Advent because they connect the coming of Christ with the fulfillment of the prophecies about the
Messiah which we have been reading about in our liturgies. Each of these antiphon begins with a traditional title of Christ and
proclaims his coming as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes for a Messiah, but also our expectation for a Savior.

Our world is in need of a Savior, for try as we might, we still fall short of recreating a perfect world by our own devices. Only
Christ can restore to us what in Adam we had lost through sin. The popular Advent hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel” draws
on these O Antiphons. As Christmas draws near I would like to recommend these antiphons to you for your meditation.

December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

December 20
O key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of
death.

December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

I wish you and your families a blessed and merry Christmas.
May the Christ child bless you with peace and joy. Amen.

With blessings from my heart,