(Plain Text Version)
December 6: St. Nicholas. Nicholas was a bishop who lived around the year 350 AD. During a time of confusion, he helped the faithful to believe in the Divinity of Christ.
According to tradition, Nicholas dropped three bags of coins down the chimney of a poor family to ransom their daughters. The name “Santa Claus” has its origin in “St. Nicholas.”
December 8: The Immaculate Conception. The word “immaculate” means clean or spotless. God granted a special favor to Mary, the one He chose to be the mother of His Son, Jesus Christ. When Mary’s life began at her conception, she was kept free from any kind of sin.
December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Juan Diego, a native Aztec. She requested that a church be built at Guadalupe (now part of Mexico City). She promised to hear the prayers of all who are suffering and bring help to them. As proof of her visit, a miraculous image was imprinted on Juan Diego’s coat. After over 450 years, the rough cactus fiber and the image are in perfect condition. The coat with the image is on display at Guadalupe.
At that time, the region was simply called “America”, and included what is now the United States. So, Mary’s promise of powerful aid continues to bless the entire region.
December 25: Christmas. The birth of Christ at Bethlehem in Palestine.
December 26: The Holy Family. This day, we celebrate the life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth. For His first 30 years, Jesus was raised not as a king, but as any other Jewish boy of His time.
December 28: The Holy Innocents. In an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus, Herod ordered the murder of all the young boys in Bethlehem. They are the first martyrs (witnesses) of Christ’s coming. (See Matthew 2: 1-18).
Prayers for Advent (continued from previous edition)
Third Week (December 11 to December 17):
Let us pray that God will fill us with joy.
Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Fourth Week (December 18 to December 24):
Let us pray as Advent draws to a close, that Christ will truly come into our hearts.
Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to us by an angel the coming of your Son as man, so lead us through His suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection, for He lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God. for ever and ever. Amen.
St. John Bosco News and Notes 