Advent 2022

Event Details

Date: November 27 – December 25, 2022

2022 Advent Reflections

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Christmas Eve

In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Dawn Breaks Upon Us

Dawn is my favorite time of day, and having just passed the winter solstice, it arrives at approximately 8:12 am CT these days.

This is Christmas Eve day, and into this night will break our remembrance of the dawning of the birth of God in human form. What a Surprise, what a Gift, that God would choose to walk among us witnessing how to live on this planet earth!!!

It is incredible that Jesus the Christ would be born as a babe without power and grow in wisdom, age and grace, as he spread his message of love through the diversity and inclusivity of his mission to bring forth the Reign of God.

At Avera, our sponsored ministry, we live out our mission by being inclusive in caring for persons of diverse cultures and life circumstances. In doing so, our deeds praise the Son of Justice in the words of today’s O Antiphon, which is the Alleluia verse announcing today’s Gospel Reading from Luke.

Alleluia, alleluia.
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Alleluia, alleluia.

Sister Ruth Geraets, PBVM

Click here to view the USCCB Daily Scripture Readings

The Nativity of our Lord
Christmas

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings, . . .” (Isaiah 52:7).

“The light shines in the darkness.” (John 1:5).

Beautiful Are They Who Bring Love In the Darkness

It is Christmas! It is the most wondrous feast—the birthday of the One who came to show us a God of love. How beautiful are the feet of those who walk the extra step across a room to greet someone with whom they have had differences. How

beautiful are the feet of those who move about in the kitchen making the special foods and serving the guests who gather. How beautiful are the feet of those who not only go to church services but who also fully participate by greeting others joyfully, praying and singing whole-heartedly. How beautiful are the feet of those who walk into homeless shelters or places of little comfort to bring some of their own abundance. How beautiful are the feet of caregivers who work this day in hospitals and nursing homes attending to the needs of residents and patients, instead of being at the table of their loved ones.

Yes, how beautiful are all those who walk this day with the intention of love in their hearts, for they are living the message of the One who came so long ago. This Word of Love brought us glad tidings. We carry these glad tidings of abundant Love within us. The Christ who was born two thousand years ago lives on in us. As our feet take us near and far, let us continue being the Christ to one another.

“Happy Birthday, Emmanuel.” On this feast, the Nativity of the Lord, you are described as the imprint of God’s being (Hebrews 1:3). From the beginning, you have been imprinted with the very essence of God. You shine the light of divine tenderness on all that is broken, all that hopes for forgiveness, all that longs for acceptance, all that yearns to belong. Today we celebrate and give thanks for your presence among us. O, God-with-us, may our light overcome the darkness.” Amen. (Paraphrased from Sr. Chris Koellhofer, IHM)

Sister Lucille Welbig, PBVM

Click here to view the USCCB Daily Scripture Readings