Introit
“God is in his holy dwelling place; the God who causes us to dwell together, one at heart, in his house; he himself will give power and strength to his people. V. Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; and let those who hate him flee before his face.” (Ps 68: 6-7, 36, 2) How beautiful it is that Jesus found a home on earth with Mary and Joseph, and in the hearts of us all. Let us rejoice in this mystery as we meditate on our Gregorian Introit. Processional We Three Kings of Orient Are Today celebrates the Holy Family. Let us come before the Lord as the Three Wise Kings did, bearing the gifts of our hearts and offering our service to the King of Kings. ~ Sofia Scattarreggia, soprano, and Margaret-Mary Owens, organ Psalm 128 R. Blessed are they who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. ~ Sofia and Margaret Gospel Acclamation ~ Matt Alexander "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has psoken to us through the Son." (Heb 1: 1-2) Offertory Antiphon: “In you have I put my trust, O Lord; I said: ‘You are my God, my destiny is in your hands.” (Ps 31: 15-16) Having reached the culmination of our Advent time of anticipation, we submit ourselves wholly to our Lord. As St. Paul tells us in our Second Reading, “let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Col 3: 15-16) What Child is This The Offertory is a beautiful moment in the Mass for us to take a minute while the priest is preparing the altar to reflect on the message of the week. Each hymn we as musicians introduce is meant to assist us in this meditation. What Child is This is a carol that takes a snapshot of what it might have been like to kneel next to Jesus in his manger and marvel at our Saviour as a child, having placed His complete trust in His mother, Mary, and father, Joseph. He demonstrates that in order to be trusted, we must trust first. Are we ready to place our complete trust in Him? ~ Sofia and Margaret Communion Antiphon: “My son, why have you treated us so? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you. How is it that you were seeking me? Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business?” (Lk 2: 48-49) One Communion of Love The readings emphasize the importance of trust and love in a family. The love within the Holy Family should inspire us in our own lives to mend broken relationships, commit to those who need support, and care for those who depend on us. This requires sacrifice, but one that leaves you and everyone around you with a happier and more fulfilled life. The love shown to us by God by sending His only Son to save us from our own failures is renewed in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The biggest, most selfless sacrifice, but one that made the joys of Heaven possible and more beautiful with all the additional saints joining the angels in worshipping Christ and praying for those of us who still need to get there. ~ Sofia and Margaret Recessional Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Speaking of angels, this is one of our very few well-known carols/hymns that sing of angels! What a shame we so often forget about these invisible, immortal spirits. What an existence they must lead, not constrained by time and space as we are. And certain angels sing constantly! They are present at every Mass, even if we don’t sense them, humming with “Hosannas” and “Alleluias.” Their joy is so complete that all they can do is sing! Saints who have had inklings of their songs say that their music is far too transcendentally sublime to describe. This is what this carol is trying to show: Angels absolutely bursting with inconceivable rapture at the birth of Christ. If only we could match even 1% of the angelic choir’s enthusiasm... ~ Sofia and Margaret
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