1st READING
The word Emmanuel is one that we often associate with Christmas as it means “God is with us.” This is what God has intended from the foundation of the world — that He would be a God who dwells among His people. It is not God who has changed but us. Sin has separated us from God and made us want to hide from His presence. Let us make afresh a place in our heart to welcome Emmanuel, the God who wants to be with us always.
Isaiah 7:10-14
10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!” 12 But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” 13 Then Isaiah said: “Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.
P S A L M
Psalms 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R: Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
1 The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. 2 For he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. (R) 3 Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? Or who may stand in his holy place? 4 He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. (R) 5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior. 6 Such is the race that seeks for him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob. (R)
G O S P E L
It may seem to come as a surprise that the angel says to Mary, “Do not be afraid.” Here we see that Mary is like us, afraid of this supernatural and wondrous being who has suddenly invaded her life. She is no doubt thinking, “What could he want?” For Mary, the coming of the angel was unexpected and jolted her out of her usual routine. His message was going to totally turn her life upside down. It is then not surprising that she felt some fear and apprehension. Mary is our Mother; she understands our fears as well and can ably support us with her love and prayers.
ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
R: Alleluia, alleluia
Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 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. 36 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; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 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.
my reflections
t h i n k : Sin has separated us from God and made us want to hide from His presence.
God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Hebrews 9-13
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