Pray the STA Way – Advent Week 4
Daily Advent Reflections
The fourth and final candle on the Advent Wreath is lit. It is called the Angel’s Candle and it represents the Love of God.
DAY TWENTY-TWO:
O Antiphon: O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
Video: Silent Night (Christ Tomlin ft. Kristyn Getty)
Reflection: As we now near the end of the Advent season, let us turn our hearts to Christmas – to that event that inspired hosts of angels to sing in the sky “glory to God in the highest.” They were singing about the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, who taught as well as showed us how to truly love– for by his death on a cross he redeemed the world and made it possible for us to one day be called citizens of heaven. So this Christmas, let us be inspired to love in the way he taught us how.
Prayer: God of love, you sent your Son, Jesus, to shine bright like the sun, lighting the way for all who walk in darkness. May the light of Christ’s hope, peace, joy and love shine bright in us as we approach his coming, that we may be ready to welcome him on Christmas day and every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
DAY TWENTY-THREE: Monday 12/23/24
O Antiphon: O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!
Video: “for KING + COUNTRY – For God Is With Us”
Reflection: “Look up, you whose gaze is fixed on this earth, who are spellbound by the little events and changes on the face of the earth. Look up to these words, you who have turned away from heaven disappointed. Look up, you whose eyes are heavy with tears and who are heavy and who are crying over the fact that the earth has gracelessly torn us away. Look up, you who, burdened with guilt, cannot lift your eyes. Look up, your redemption is drawing near. Something different from what you see daily will happen. Just be aware, be watchful, wait just another short moment. Wait and something quite new will break over you: God will come.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Prayer: O Most powerful and everliving God, to you I entrust my heart as my Lord and Father. Prepare my soul to truly receive the life of your son, Jesus Christ. Send me you Spirit and fill me with faith, hope, love, and the peace that only you can give. I desire to be an agent of change to renew the face of the earth. May it be done to me according to Thy Word. Amen.
DAY TWENTY-FOUR: Tuesday 12/24/24 – Christmas Eve
Video: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
Reflection: “On this holy night, while we contemplate the Infant Jesus just born and placed in the manger, we are invited to reflect. How do we welcome the tenderness of God? Do I allow myself to be taken up by God, to be embraced by him, or do I prevent him from drawing close?” – Pope Francis
Prayer: O God, who have made this most sacred night radiant with the splendor of the true light, grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth, may also delight in his gladness in heaven. Who lives and reigns with you in unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CHRISTMAS: Wednesday 12/25/24
Video: Joy to the World
Reflection: “Peace on earth to men and women of goodwill, who work quietly and patiently each day, in their families and in society, to build a more humane and just world, sustained by the conviction that only with peace is there the possibility of a more prosperous future for all. Dear brothers and sisters, ‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given’: he is the ‘prince of peace.’ Let us welcome him!” – Pope Francis
Prayer: Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, as we are bathed in the new radiance of your incarnate Word, the light of faith, which illumines our minds, may also shine through in our deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.