Advent Anew

ADVENT ANEW A GUIDED BOOKLET AND INVITATION TO SLOW DOWN AND WALK THROUGH T H I S S E A S O N O F A N T I C I PAT I O N W I T H H O P E , FA I T H , J O Y A N D P E A C E

This Advent season,

God

invites us to renew ourselves in His Hope, Faith, Joy and Peace. During these next four weeks, we prepare to mark the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago and experience within our own hearts, homes and families

ADVENT A N E W

ADVENT Advent is the four-week season of preparation for the birth of Jesus.

EASTER Following Lent and Holy Week, Easter is 50 days celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

CHRISTMAS Christmas is the season of celebrating the birth of Jesus

SACRED PASCHAL TRIDUUM

starting on Christmas Day.

The three days culminating the Lenten

LENT Lent is a six-week period of prayer, fasting, and repentance to prepare hearts and minds for the Easter celebration.

season when the faithful recall the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

SEASONS OF THE CHURCH The Liturgical Calendar of the Catholic Church consists of six seasons and ordinary time, defined in this timeline.

The calendar is structured around the moving date of Easter Sunday and the fixed date of Christmas.

ORDINARY TIME Ordinary Time takes place in two time periods (four to eight weeks after Christmas and about six months after Easter) when the faithful reflect on the fullness of Jesus’ preaching and works during his earthly lifetime.

WHAT IS ADVENT? “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the S av i o r ’ s f i r s t c o m i n g , t h e fa i t h f u l r e n e w t h e i r a r d e n t d e s i r e f o r H i s s e c o n d c o m i ng .”

Catechis m of th e Cath oli c C h urch , 524

DI D YOU K NOW? The liturgical season of Advent does not start on December 1, unlike many popular Advent calendars with chocolate treats! This year it begins on November 27, the earliest start date for the first Sunday of Advent. It can start as late as December 3, depending where the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle falls each year.

WEEK 1

“ M ay t h e G o d o f h o p e f i l l yo u w i t h a l l j oy a n d p e ac e a s yo u t r u s t h i m , s o t h at yo u m ay ov e r f low w i t h h o p e by t h e p o w e r o f t h e H o ly S p i r i t.”

R o man s 15: 13

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE ADVENT WREATH The Advent wreath was brought to the United States by German immigrants in the early 20th Century. The four candles of the Advent wreath—three purple and one pink— mark the four Sundays of Advent and symbolize the light of Christ. The evergreen circle represents the eternal existence of God and the immortal soul. God’s love has no beginning and no end, but is felt especially at the birth of His Son, Jesus.

The flickering light of the wreath ignites a sense of hope during the weeks of waiting and days counting down until the birth of Christ. Many families place the wreath in a central spot in the home for prayer during Advent.

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FEAST DAY OF ST. CATHERINE LABOURÉ PAT R O N SAI N T O F

BORN

C O U N T RY O F O R I G I N

T h e El d er l y

18 06

F ranc e

Known for the “Miraculous Medal,” St. Catherine had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1830. This Marian apparition took place twenty years before the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed a Marian dogma by Pope Pius IX. Catherine received instructions to strike a medal with Our Lady’s image and the words: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” Today, many Catholics wear this Miraculous Medal on a necklace.

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“A L L H U M A N W I S D O M I S CONTAINED IN THESE TWO W O R D S — WA I T A N D H O P E .”

A lexandre Dumas T h e C ou n t of Mon t e Crist o

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FEAST DAY OF ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE PAT R O N SAI N T O F

BORN

C O U N T RY O F O R I G I N

S c o tl and and Fis herm en

1st Century

Israel

Andrew, one of the first of the twelve apostles, was a disciple of John the Baptist before Jesus invited him to “Come and see.” After he encountered Jesus, Andrew said to his brother, Simon Peter, “We have found the Messiah” which means anointed one in Hebrew. Jesus called the two brothers, “Follow me” ( Jn. 1:35-42). If it were not for Andrew’s faith, trust and willingness to follow the Lord, the Church would not have had her first pope, St. Peter!

Advent invites us to renew the call to follow Jesus in our thoughts, words and actions.

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“O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL” O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel; That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o’er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, thou Lord of Might Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height, In ancient times didst give the law, In cloud, and majesty, and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer, Our Spirits by Thine Advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

This stirring, 12th Century Advent hymn has its roots in the O Antiphons, a series of seven lyrical verses that are chanted or sung during evening prayer the seven days preceding Christmas Eve. The most famous rendition was composed by J.M. Neale in English in 1851. The title “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” recounts when the Angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph to reveal the birth of Jesus: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Mt 1:23.

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6 “ONE WHO HAS HOPE LIVES

D I F F E R E N T LY.”

Po pe Benedi ct X VI

Advent is traditionally a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, but with a distinct character of expectant joy. During this time of year, it can be difficult to strike a balance between preparations and presence. In Advent, we look to find pockets of time to be with Him amidst the hustle and bustle.

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STRAW IN THE CRECHE Create a small manger out of wood or use a small basket or an old shoebox as a creche. Place it in a visible spot in the home where children can see and will be reminded to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Mk. 1:3).

When anyone in the household does a kind deed or gesture, that person can place a piece of yellow yarn or straw into the creche as a tangible sign of how we are preparing our hearts and homes to welcome the Christ Child.

On Christmas Day, the Christ Child is placed in the creche upon the straw that symbolizes our gift to Him.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

WEEK 2

“ F o r w e wa l k b y f a i t h , n o t b y s i g h t .”

2 Co rin t h ian s 5: 7

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THE ANNUNCIATION Luke’s Gospel recounts the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to a young Nazarean woman named Mary who is betrothed to a humble carpenter, Joseph. Gabriel explains that God has chosen Mary to be the mother of his Son, Jesus; she has “found favor with God” and will “bear a son” by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary is afraid, unsure and ponders aloud, “How can this be?” The messenger of the Lord, Gabriel, declares: “nothing will be impossible for God.” In this week, as we light the second Advent candle, we focus on the virtue of faith and imitate Mary’s fiat—“let it be done to me according to thy word”—her faithful obedience and trust in God’s plan.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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“IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER” CHRISTINA ROSSETTI An English romantic poet inspired by her Christian faith, Rossetti originally published this work as a poem in 1872 and it was later performed as a Christmas carol.

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there, Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; But His mother only, in her maiden bliss, Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.

In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim worship night and day, Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay; Enough for Him, whom angels fall before, The ox and ass and camel which adore.

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FEAST DAY OF ST. NICHOLAS PAT R O N SAI N T O F

BORN

C O U N T RY O F O R I G I N

C h il d re n, Sail ors and Merchants

270 AD

R oman Emp i re

There are many legends of jolly old St. Nicholas, a faithful bishop known for his remarkable generosity and gift-giving. The most famous tale recalls that Nicholas tossed gold coins down the chimney of a poor man whose daughters could not afford a dowry to marry and would be forced into servitude. Today, many families celebrate St. Nick by having children place their shoes out the evening before his feast day. Children wake up to shoes full of candy canes, fruit, chocolate or real coins and religious trinkets.

DI D YOU KNOW?

The candy cane is rich in meaning. The shape mimics a shepherd’s staff and “J” for Jesus. The red and white foreshadow the suffering Jesus endured for us. The peppermint flavor reminds us of the Wise Men’s gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

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WINTER RECIPE

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SPECULAAS COOKIES Even before Hansel and Gretel, gingerbread was popular among bakers in northern European countries, particularly during Advent. The thin, Dutch spiced cookie called speculaas is associated with St. Nicholas and enjoyed throughout the Christmas season. Traditionally, the dough is set in an intricate, hand-carved wooden cookie mold in the shape of the saint - mitre, staff and all. Make this tradition your own: bake your own speculaas – or build and decorate a ready-made gingerbread house kit with family or friends.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups brown sugar 1 ½ cups butter or hard margarine 3 ½+ cups flour (add extra flour for forming dough)

1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon ¾ tsp. cloves

½ tsp. allspice ½ tsp. ginger ½ tsp. nutmeg

PREPARATION Cream butter and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and mix, adding enough flour to form a very stiff dough. Chill the cookie dough. If using a St. Nicholas mold, press the dough into cookie boards or use whatever cookie cutters on hand. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 350º F for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool and decorate with icing if desired. Store in a sealed container to retain crispness.

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SOLEMNITY OF THE I M M A C U L AT E C O N C E P T I O N O F

THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY This Marian feast day commemorates that the Blessed Virgin Mary was the only human being “entirely holy and free from any stain of sin” (Lumen Gentium, 56). God created Mary, conceived without Original Sin, to bring Jesus into the world. If the land where Jesus walked was holy, just imagine the sanctity of the womb that bore Him.

“GOD WHO MADE THE SUN, ALSO MADE THE MOON. THE MOON DOES NOT TAKE AWAY FROM THE BRILLIANCE OF THE SUN. ALL ITS LIGHT IS REFLECTED FROM THE SUN. THE BLESSED MOTHER REFLECTS HER DIVINE SON; WITHOUT HIM, SHE IS N O T H I N G . W I T H H I M , S H E I S T H E M O T H E R O F M E N.”

A rchb i s ho p Fulto n Sheen

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FEAST DAY OF ST. JUAN DIEGO CUAUHTLATOATZIN PAT R O N SAI N T O F

BORN

Indig enou s p eop les

1474

C O U N T RY O F O R I G I N Mexico

Our Lady appeared as a native Aztec woman to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, on the outskirts of Mexico City on December 9, 1531.

She spoke to “Juanito” in his native Nahuartl tongue: “Know my son, my much beloved, that I am the ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God who is the Author of life, the Creator of all things, the Lord of heaven and earth, present everywhere.”

At the time of the apparition, Juan Diego was still learning his catechism - a reminder that God chooses the most humble among us to announce His Good News.

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FESTIVE CHARCUTERIE When hosting for the holidays, parties often include charcuterie boards. Consider adding a few special sweet and savory “stars” to yours that are rich with the meaning of the season: Citrus: of the few fresh fruits that grow during winter, oranges and tangerines are reminiscent of the gold coins St. Nick gave to the poor.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

Pomegranate: often depicted in medieval art of the Madonna and Child, historians attribute this to the fruit’s symbolization of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. When you peel back the tough outer layers, the pomegranate reveals bright seeds bursting with taste - a metaphor for the pain Jesus bore for salvation.

Rosemary: this fragrant, perennial plant signifies God’s fidelity and faithfulness- He is the Lord God of the Israelites who keeps His promises and sends the Savior, Jesus Christ. Use rosemary as garnish to fill in gaps on the charcuterie board for a polished look.

Spiced Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts - you name it - have been enjoyed for centuries during the Twelve Days of Christmas. In Christianity, the three-part layers of a nut - shell, skin and kernel - represent the three persons of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

STEP BY STEP 1. Start by choosing from a variety of ingredients: meats, cheeses, bread, spreads, accompaniments and garnishes.

2. Arrange the meats. Ham, prosciutto, pepperoni, ham and salami are great options.

Style the meats according to the texture and size. Fold salami into quarters and layer into a fan shape. Or make a ribbon, winding slices of meat back and forth. For prosciutto, spiral slices into a flower shape.

3. Offer an array of hard and soft cheeses with cheese knives available for the guests to do their own slicing. Soft cheeses like brie or chevre are best left whole, while hard cheeses—cheddar, gouda, manchego—can be cut into smaller, bite-size pieces.

4. Fruits—dried or fresh—and vegetables enhance the flavors of your spread. Choose from what you have on hand: apple slices, blueberries, dried cherries, or a bunch of grapes work well. Fermented items such as olives and pickles also add variety to your noshing.

5. Spreads like drizzled honey, fig or apricot preserves, whole-grain mustard, and oils and vinegars are wonderful additions.

6. Layer in breads and crackers for assembling the perfect bite.

7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

WEEK 3

“Rejoice in the Lord a l wa y s . I s h a l l s a y i t again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The L o r d i s n e a r .”

Phi li ppi ans 4:4-5

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT GAUDETE SUNDAY

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Gaudete Sunday marks the halfway point in Advent. The liturgical color used at Mass is pink to symbolize the joyful anticipation amidst a time of contemplation and preparation. The priest wears a rose-colored vestment at Mass and the pink candle is lit along with the first two purple candles on the Advent wreath. The faithful are encouraged to wear pink to celebrate.

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F E A S T D AY O F

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

PAT R O N E S S O F Me x ic o and the Am er icas , and of th e unborn

Many miracles have been attributed to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The second time that Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego, she sent him to the local bishop with proof of her heavenly apparition: fragrant Spanish roses gathered atop the frost-covered hill and her radiant image imprinted on his tilma (cloak). Our Lady’s image remains visible to visitors who pilgrimage to Mexico City to see the tilma, nearly 500 years later.

“A N D M A R Y S A I D : ‘ M Y S O U L P R O C L A I M S T H E G R E AT N E S S O F T H E LORD; MY SPIRIT REJOICES IN GOD M Y S AV I O R . F O R H E H A S L O O K E D UPON HIS HANDMAID’S LOWLINESS; BEHOLD, FROM NOW ON WILL ALL A G E S C A L L M E B L E S S E D .’”

L u ke 1: 46-48

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FEAST DAY OF ST. LUCY PAT R O N SAI N T O F

BORN

Wr ite r s a nd the b l ind

2 87 AD

C O U N T RY O F O R I G I N Ita l y

The name Lucy (or Lucia) means “light,” which makes this feast day a welcome celebration in dark mid-December. In European countries, the eldest daughter in a family dresses as Lucy in a white gown and a red sash (emblematic of her martyrdom) with a wreath of candles. She parades around the neighborhood delivering lussekatter (Lucy buns), saffron-infused sweet rolls.

WINTER RECIPE

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ST. LUCIA BUNS St. Lucia Buns (Lussekatter) can be served warm from the oven with butter, or prepared in advance, frozen, and then defrosted in an oven or microwave. Share and enjoy this feast day treat.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 tsp. finely crumbled saffron threads, or 1 tsp. powdered saffron 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 1 cup whole milk 3/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt

2 packages (4 1/2 tsps.) active dry yeast 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided 2 large eggs, beaten Raisins or currants, for garnish 1 large egg white

PREPARATION 1. Crumble the saffron threads into melted butter. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour to infuse the butter with the saffron.

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it reaches the scalding point, or when small bubbles form all over the surface. Turn off the heat and stir in the melted butter, sugar, and salt. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and cool until cool to touch but still warm. Stir in the yeast and let stand for 10 minutes.

3. Mix 3 1/2 cups flour into the liquid to blend and then stir in the 2 beaten eggs. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough (the dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl), without adding too much flour and drying out the dough.

4. Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl and turn to evenly coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

5. Punch down the risen dough, and lightly knead 2 or 3 times on a floured surface. Pinch off small handfuls of dough, about 2 1/4 inches in diameter, and roll into ropes or “snakes,” about 3/4-inch in diameter. Shape the snakes into “S”-shaped buns or other desired shapes. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover with the towel and let rise again until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

6. Preheat the oven to 375° F. 7. Brush the eggs with the remaining egg white and then decorate the buns with the raisins.

Transfer to the oven and bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

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“ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH” Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be?

Which inspire your heavenly songs?

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

This joyful French carol is based on Luke’s Gospel when angels appeared to lowly shepherds near the stable where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The shepherds returned after adoring the infant Jesus “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Lk. 2:20). A Catholic bishop, James Chadwick, translated the original text to English in 1862.

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DI D YOU K NOW? At Mass you may notice one striking difference in the liturgy. During Advent, the Church refrains from singing the Gloria until Christmas Eve when we recite the words the angels exclaimed to the shepherds that very first Christmas: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” (Lk. 2:14).

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REMEMBERING

THE VISITATION A jubilant encounter takes place early in Luke’s Gospel, when two pregnant women rejoice together at finding God’s favor in their lives. After the angel Gabriel announces Mary’s pregnancy, she makes haste to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. “ F O R AT T H E M O M E N T T H E SOUND OF YOUR GREETING R E A C H E D M Y E AR S , T H E I N FAN T I N M Y W O M B L E A P E D F O R J O Y.” L u ke 1: 44

This Visitation recalls the joy one receives in gift-giving or helping a friend in need.

“AT T H I S C H R I S T M A S W H E N C H R I S T C O M E S , W I L L H E F I N D A WA R M H E A R T ?

MARK THE SEASON OF ADVENT BY LOVING AND SERVING THE OTHERS W I T H G O D ’ S O W N L O V E A N D C O N C E R N .”

St. Teresa of Calcutta

WEEK 4

“ M ay t h e L o r d o f p e ac e h i m s e l f g i v e yo u p e ac e at a l l t i m e s a n d i n e v e r y wa y .”

2 Th e s s alon ian s 3 : 16

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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LIGHT THE FINAL PURPLE CANDLE ON THE ADVENT WREATH. Entering into the homestretch of the Advent season, the to-do lists increase, and time slips away. The cyclical nature of the liturgical year for Christians reminds one of eternity and that God is outside of time. Jesus came once to save the world from sin and death: He became flesh for all people, for all time. Rest in the certainty and serenity of that truth: God became man for each one of us.

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD T H AT H E GAV E H I S ON LY S ON, S O THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM MIGHT NOT PERISH BUT M I G H T H AV E E T E R N A L L I F E .”

John 3:16

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SAINT JOSEPH Only two of the four evangelists describe the virtuous earthly father of Jesus, St. Joseph. Luke’s Gospel mentions that Mary is betrothed to Joseph. In Matthew’s Gospel, Gabriel’s words to Joseph point to confidence and trust in God’s plan: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her” (Mt. 1:20).

God grants both Joseph and Mary peace.

Peace, “Not as the world gives” ( Jn. 14:27), but the peace of Christ Jesus.

May the peace of Christ guard our hearts this Christmas and into the New Year.

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POMANDER BALLS Pomander balls are a simple enough craft for a child to make and a fun, fragrant way to spruce up holiday decor.

Scents of clove and orange awaken the aromas of the season and make great centerpieces, gifts and ornaments.

All that is needed are firm oranges and whole cloves. Be creative with the design and placement of the cloves as you pierce them into the orange. As it dries, the orange will release a delightful fragrance.

To display or hang, insert a long, thin wire through the orange and make a knot at the button. Add a red ribbon around the pomander for a polished look.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

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DI D YOU K NOW? Holly and ivy, widely known from the popular carol, are powerful symbols for Christians. The thorny leaves of holly boughs point to the crown of thorns that adorned Christ’s head during His passion and death. The evergreen ivy is a metaphor for eternal life with God in heaven.

WINTER RECIPE GINGER-MOLASSES

GRANOLA

This recipe makes an easy, seasonal gift for friends, family and neighbors to enjoy. Pour into a mason jar and tie with a ribbon and sprig of holly.

INGREDIENTS 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup finely shredded unsweetened dried coconut ½ cup pumpkin seeds ½ cup pecans or nuts of choice ½ cup raisins or chopped dried fruit

2 tsps. ground ginger 2 tsps. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt 1/3 cup virgin coconut or olive oil 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses

PREPARATION 1. Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 275° F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins or dried fruit, ginger, cinnamon and salt.

3. In a small microwaveable bowl, stir together the coconut oil, honey, and molasses and microwave on low until slightly melted. Or melt in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly combined.

4. Spread out in a thick layer on the baking sheet. Bake, gently stirring every 15 minutes, until lightly browned, 45 minutes. Granola will still be moist at the end of baking, but will morph into crunchy goodness once it cools completely.

5. Store in a glass jar with a lid at room temperature. Granola will stay fresh for several weeks and likely be devoured long before expiring.

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“NOEL” J.R.R. TOLKIEN Grim was the world and grey last night: The moon and stars were fled, The hall was dark without song or light, The fires were fallen dead.

The wind in the trees was like to the sea, And over the mountains’ teeth It whistled bitter-cold and free, As a sword leapt from its sheath.

Mary sang in this world below: They heard her song arise O’er mist and over mountain snow To the walls of Paradise, And the tongue of many bells was stirred in Heaven’s towers to ring When the voice of mortal maid was heard, That was mother of Heaven’s King.

The lord of snows upreared his head; His mantle long and pale Upon the bitter blast was spread And hung o’er hill and dale.

The world was blind, the boughs were bent, All ways and paths were wild: Then the veil of cloud apart was rent, And here was born a Child.

Glad is the world and fair this night With stars about its head, And the hall is filled with laughter and light, And fires are burning red.

The bells of Paradise now ring With bells of Christendom, And Gloria, Gloria we will sing That God on earth is come.

The ancient dome of heaven sheer Was pricked with distant light; A star came shining white and clear Alone above the night.

In the dark of dale in that hour of birth One voice on a sudden sang: Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth Together at midnight rang.

This epic Christmas poem written by the faithful Catholic and literary mastermind Tolkien was unknown until 2016 when scholars uncovered it while searching for another lost poem. Scholars Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull found “Noel” in a 1936 collection published by Our Lady’s School in Abingdon, near Oxford where Tolkien taught.

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“Once in our world, a Stable had something in i t t h at wa s b i g g e r t h a n o u r w h o l e wo r l d.”

C.S. L ewi s , Th e Last Battle

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CHRISTMAS EVE

Silent night, Holy night!

All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon virgin mother and child.

Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, Holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, Holy night!

Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!

First performed in Austria in 1818, “Stille Nacht” was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber and lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr.

English translation by John Freedman Young.

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“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today i n t h e c i t y o f Dav i d a s av i o r h a s b e e n b o r n f o r you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped i n s wa d d l i n g c l o t h e s a n d ly i ng i n a m a ng e r .”

Luke 2:10-12

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD CHRISTMAS DAY

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty F o u n d e r wa s a c h i l d H i m s e l f.”

C harles Di ckens A Christ mas Carol

ADVENT ANEW Created especially for you with blessings for a joyous Christmas season from Cardinal Seán O’Malley