(WORD, THEMES AND PROMISES)
(The Liturgical Year – Cycle B, Year II, begins with the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023.)
READINGS (Cycle B, Year II)
December 3 – Is 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7/ Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19/ 1 Cor 1:3-9/ Mk 13:33-37
December 10 – Is 40:1-5, 9-11/ Ps 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14/ 2 Pt 3:8-14/ Mk 1:1-8
December 17 – Isa 61:1-2A, 10-11/ Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54/ 1 Thes 5:16-24/ Jn 1:6-8, 19-28
December 24 – 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16/ Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29/ Rom 16:25-27/ Lk 1:26-38
December 31 – Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/ Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5/ Col 3:12-21/ Lk 2:22-40
COMMUNITY WORD
Salvation is for those who prepare for Christ’s coming with joy, hope and vigilance.
ORDER
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Mk 1:3)
PROPHECIES
1. Heed My invitation to prepare and make straight your ways; prepare your heart to be My dwelling place.
2. I anoint you to bring glad tidings to the poor.
DIRECTIONS
1. During the season, be spiritually prepared through constant prayers, scriptural reflection, reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.
2. Be Christ to others by participating in mission works and sharing your blessings to our less fortunate and most needy brethren.
THEMES AND PROMISES
Week#1 (1st Sunday of Advent)
Theme: We prepare for Christ’s coming when we turn to Him and live holy lives.
Promise: “He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 1:8)
Week#2 (2nd Sunday of Advent)
Theme: We prepare for Christ’s coming when we repent and ask forgiveness of our sins.
Promise: “The Lord himself will give his benefits…and prepare the way of his steps.” (Ps 85:13a, 14b)
Week#3 (3rd Sunday of Advent)
Theme: We prepare for Christ’s coming when we testify to the Light who is Jesus.
Promise: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.” (1 Thes 5:24)
Week#4 (4th Sunday of Advent)
Theme: We prepare for Christ’s coming when we are humble and obedient to God’s will.
Promise: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you…for nothing will be impossible for God.” (Lk 1:35a, 37)
Week#5 (Feast of the Holy Family)
Theme: We prepare for Christ’s coming when we live out Christian family values.
Promise: “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork.” (Psalm 128:1, 2a)