Advent Booklet English 2017

TH E
Anticipating
COMMUNIT Y
THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 01

A DVENT TO CHRISTM AS
Table of Contents
Page 04 Advent to Christmas Message
Page 06 The Purpose of this booklet

Page 06 How to use this booklet
Page 07 Session Format
Page 08 Facilitating Group Reflection
Page 09 Sundays of Advent (Year B)

Christmas Reflections (Year B)
Page 10 First Sunday of Advent
Page 16 A Project for Neighbourhood
groups, Ministry and Family
Page 18 Second Sunday of Advent
Page 24 Third Sunday of Advent
Page 30 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Page 37 Christmas Reflections

Page 38 Christmas Nativity of the Lord
Page 44 Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Page 50 Epiphany of the Lord
Page 56 Appendix Activities

Page 71 Acknowledgements

2017 TO 2018
Advent to Christmas
Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
2 0 1 7 A DV E N T TO C H R I ST M AS M E S S AG E
Advent is a time for us to prepare for Christmas. In the past, some people called it the
Little Lent because it was a time of repentance. It was a time of fasting and abstinence,
prayer and almsgiving. Over time this has given way to shopping and feasting. One
possible reason for this could be the Thanksgiving celebrations in America. Thanksgiving
is a few days before Advent. There is much feasting very similar to say Chinese New
Year celebrations in our country where it goes on for a while. There is a spill over effect.
The celebrations continue to the point that it becomes an accepted and legitimised pre-
celebration of the Christmas season.
The preparation for the celebration had lost its spiritual dimension. The preparations are
very much focused on getting the house ready for Christmas or getting the presents ready
for the exchange or the thoughts of who else to invite for the Christmas party or dinner.
Every meaningful celebration has as its forerunner some serious preparation. Advent is an
invitation to prepare through fast, prayer and almsgiving. The common catch phrase, The
Spirit of Christmas is truly what is missing and it cannot be found in clothing, presents
and food. The Spirit of Christmas can only come about with an attention given to the
Spirit through our serious preparation.
Advent is indeed a time of plenty. There are plenty of symbols like the Jesse Tree or
Christmas tree as well as plenty of distractions introduced by the secular world. Advent is a
time to prepare for the celebration of the fact that Jesus Christ became man and our Father
kept his promise of salvation. It is a time to prepare for Jesus coming in our lives and it is a
time to prepare for Jesus second coming at the end of time.
Advent calls for a personal preparation for the great feast and it calls us to make that
preparation with the community as well. An individual who is serious and prepares
for Christmas will surely be a source of inspiration for the community who in turn will
inspire the individual to continue with the preparations that will only lead up to the joy of
discovering Jesus at the Christmas celebrations.
Prepare well spiritually to celebrate well the gift of God our Father Jesus Christ.
Rev. Fr Terence Pereira

Episcopal Vicar for the New Evangelisation

The Purpose of this Booklet
This resource is intended for families, RCIA groups, parish organisations and ministries,
small Christian communities and neighbourhood Christian communities. It may also be
used for individual reflection.
To promote the Christian community in the neighbourhood as a place where we can
hear the word of God and put it into practice.
To give participants an experience of community and a sense of their mission by
reaching out to neighbours and those in need.
To gather parish organisations/ministries to pray together as one and put Christ back
in the centre.
To increase communication between family members. Love should be the main
message in all communication, so the sessions are aimed at families sharing stories,
doing meaningful activities together, sharing faith and being reconciled with each
other.
How to use this booklet

These reflections may be used either (1) before participating in the Sunday liturgy, as a way
of preparation to receive Gods Word at Mass, or (2) after participating in the liturgy as a
continuation of breaking open the Word of God into our life.
In the spirit of generosity, group members volunteer beforehand to read Scriptures and
other parts of the text.
A different group facilitator can take the responsibility in each session to foster good
interaction and to keep time.
Someone should record the discussion in general terms and then email it to the members
who are absent.
The duration of each session is about two hours.
The time and place for the next meeting should be announced at the end of each session.
Session Format
O P E N IN G P RAYER
Everyone will pray the opening prayer and sing the opening hymn to foster a spirit of
reflection and openness to Gods Word and each other.
R E A D IN GS
The three scripture texts should be read at least twice, allowing some time for a silent
listening to the Word.
Then the passages are explained by the leader or group facilitator using the given write up.
Preparation is recommended for the leader or group facilitator to read and understand
prior the meeting.
T H O UGHTS
Someone reads this section which is meant to deepen our reflection on the readings of the
week. Allow adequate time for reflection.
R E F L EC TION S
This section is designed with the different groups in mind. Select the section relevant to
your group or use the individual section if you are doing it on your own. Reflect on the
questions and allow time for response.
TA K E H O ME
Discern how the Word of God is inviting us collectively or individually to respond through
concrete action(s).
D O I NG YOUR BIT
Your action to reach out or evangelise to another person to share the Good News of Jesus.
CLO S IN G P RAYER
The session ends with a prayer being prayed by everyone in the group. Everyone will pray
for each participant and then for the community.
A P P E N DIX: AC T IVITIES
The appendix section contains activities that further enrich our spiritual journey with our
fellow sisters and brothers in Christ.

Facilitating Group Reflection
For where two or three meet in my name, I am there with them - Matthew 18:20
Be mindful of Christs presence. Adopt a humble and reverent manner when speaking or
acting within the group. Read the text meditatively, and give your best attention to the
words of the Gospel readings.
May they all be one, just as, Father, you are in me and I am in you - John 17:21
Help everyone to feel at home and take special care to welcome newcomers. Treat each
person as a beloved member of the community and invite one another to participate in the
session by taking turns to read the text. Use a language that everyone can understand so
that no one feels left out.
...and their great men make their authority felt. Among you this is not to happen
- Mark 10:42-43
Avoid being authoritative or domineering by acting aggressively, flaunting knowledge, or
telling others what to do. If there is advice to be given, do so after the reflection is done.
Choose words that are easily understood by all when speaking. Avoid giving lengthy and
verbose sharing that consume other peoples opportunities to offer their sharing.
If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every
day and follow me - Luke 9:23
At the core of these reflections is the Word of God, the teaching of the Church, and the
invitation for our conversion towards Christ. If the group wanders away from this during
the session, gently invite one another to re-focus.
Because when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say - Luke 12:12
There is no need to prepare sharing in advance or to appoint people to share. Wait
patiently for Gods Spirit to inspire generosity, and remember to give thanks after someone
volunteers to contribute their own faith experience.
...your light must shine in peoples sight, so that, on seeing your good works, they may give
praise to your Father in heaven - Matthew 5:16
These reflections challenge us to do the will of God - to reflect the love of Christ to others
we meet. Spend some time at the start of the next group session sharing with one another
how each one has tried to do this over the past week.
Sundays of Advent (Year B)
T H E A N T IC I PAT I NG C OM M U N I T Y
Week Readings Theme

1 Sunday of Advent
st
Isaiah 63:16-17; 64:1, 3-8 Not of the world
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:33-37
2nd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Make ready the way
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
3rd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 Salvation is close

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
4th Sunday of Advent 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 Obedience as we wait

Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
C H R I ST M AS R E F L E C T ION S ( Y E A R B )
Week Readings Theme

Christmas Nativity Isaiah 52:7-10 Open your hearts to
of the Lord Hebrews 1:1-6 receive him
John 1:1-18
Solemnity of Mary, Numbers 6:22-27 Mary, a willing vessel,

Mother of God Galatians 4:4-7 open to receive Gods grace
Luke 2:16-21
Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Offer the gift of

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5 divine love to others
Matthew 2:1-12

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVE NT
Not of the World

OP E N I NG P R AY E R
Heavenly Father,
We praise and thank you for the great gift of your Son Jesus,
the Christ. You sent him as a Light to the nations. You sent
him to reveal your Light and Love to a world darkened by sin.
Christ is our hope and our salvation. Upon him we place all
our trust. He is Emmanuel, the promised Messiah. He brings
wisdom and peace to a troubled world.
Lord God, in hopeful anticipation, we pray:

Come, Lord Jesus, come in haste, come!
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings
1 ST R E A DI NG : I S A IA H 6 3 : 1 6 - 1 7 , 6 4 : 1 , 3 - 8
The people of Israel return from exile and find their homeland in ruins. The enormous task
of rebuilding the nation starts to weigh down on the people who, then, begin to despair
and think that the Lord God has deserted them. Israel laments as a community for their
sinfulness and acknowledge their powerlessness without God. They now recognise their
redemption as Gods initiative to bring about renewed friendship and divine reconciliation.
They cry out for the restoration of the covenant relationship they had broken with God:
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down You meet him who joyfully
works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. (Is 64:1, 5)
So, they humbly ready themselves to become like clay to be moulded into the image God
our Father has intended. During Advent, we make this same cry out to God just like
Isaiah from an awareness that we had strayed with our desires for worldly comfort and
achievements and have now come to realise that without our Father, there is little we can
do and with Him, we see more clearly.
2 N D R E A DI NG : 1 C OR I N T H IA N S 1 : 3 - 9
Paul gives thanks to God our Father for having gifted the Corinth community with every
gift they would need to strengthen and maintain community life. It is the faithfulness of
God that produces good within them; gifting them with perseverance and uprightness of
life. Even though they are imbued with charismatic gifts and special gifts of knowledge,
the ultimate knowledge to come will be when Jesus returns as the final revelation. Hence,
Paul exhorts the community to remain alert and expectant so that their lives will give clear
evidence of the Lords saving action.
G O SP E L R E A DI NG : M A R K 1 3 : 3 3 - 3 7
Jesus reminds the people that the reign of God is not only a reality they are living in right
now but also a reality they await in the future. Being awake spiritually means waiting,
being in expectation of God, holding ourselves ready for Gods coming. To be wakeful to
this reality is to be conscious, know what is going on and not to be dreaming or living in
an illusion.
Waiting is not putting aside the tasks of life, but taking them up and being responsible
for the work and vocation each person is called to on a daily basis. You do not know
is an exhortation to the virtue of perseverance that enables the community to anticipate
together. With eyes of faith, Jesus breaking into the world can be seen even before the end
of time and, therefore, we are far from discouraged by the daily challenges.

Thoughts
We not only prepare ourselves to celebrate on Christmas day, we also check to see if we are
doing all the things that will keep us ready to receive Jesus when he comes again. How do
we live the reality of our God coming into our world and to wait out our time? What does
the world tell us about waiting compared to what Jesus says about waiting?
Waiting for God is the posture of Christian discipline. The concrete meaning for us is
that we must not allow ourselves to be put to sleep spiritually, hypnotised by the constant
frenetic messages of empty promises of this world: our seeking prosperity for our own
sakes, finding consolation in our individualism and self-dependence of our past and
present glories.
We keep in touch with those around us each day doing our best to live lives of love, of
compassion, of forgiveness, of honesty and integrity. Yesterday there may have been
inadequacies and failures but today Christ renews his call: Follow me. I have chosen you.
Each new morning is the opportunity to start again.
We keep in touch with our God through lives of prayer and the simplest and deepest
prayer is to be aware of the active presence of Jesus permeating through the ordinary
moments of our day: O Lord, help to recognise you and respond to you in love through
every person and every experience of this day.
Jesus comes to us each and every day into our lives. Let us not be so busy looking at the
Christmas event that we fail to be aware of his presence here and now. This awareness
should go on day in and day out; it is so easy to take it all for granted. Today, count your
blessings. They are all the sign of Jesus living and active among us, of Jesus coming into
our life: He will keep you steady and without blame until the last day, the day of our Lord
Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 1:8)
Do we learn to anticipate by noticing the signs of the living and action of Jesus Christ in
our everyday life?
Reflections
F OR N E IG H B O U R HO OD G ROU P S
We talk about what struck us in the passages of scripture.
Let us share a bit about the scripture that we have just heard.
The reminder today for us is to stay awake. As a group list down the things of this world
that distracts us during this season of Advent. When you have finished, list down the
things that are not of this world. Share which you are more inclined towards.
F OR M I N I S T RY
Have you as a ministry started to plan for Christmas? If you have, what are the things that
are in your plans? If you have not started your planning, share what you did last year for
Christmas. After the sharing, have a look at which were of this world and of this worlds
standards and ways, and what were of our Fathers ways.
F OR FA M I LY
Let us as a family share about what stood out in the passages of scripture.
What would you be looking forward to this Christmas? What are the plans that you have
in mind? Do those plans help you to stay awake to the coming of Jesus Christ? Are your
preparations for Christmas worldlier or more spiritual?
F OR I N DI V I DUA L
Spend some time reflecting on the passages of scripture.
If you would share about the scripture text with someone, what would you share?
As you are preparing for Christmas, what ways would you stay awake to the temptations to
have the same kind of Christmas as you had last year?

TA K E HOM E
The world easily dulls us with its constant and subtle bombardment of what is apparently
good. Stay awake!
D OI NG YO U R B I T
Stay awake to the person who is struggling with his or her faith. Reach out to that person
with gentleness and patience. Invite someone back to the community by recognising his or
her gifts.
Closing Prayer
Lord God of abundant grace,
Fill us with joyful expectation.
Make us ready for the Good News that prepares the way,
And see ourselves as we really are: pilgrims in this world.
We are Christians called to respect and love all those lives we touch.
And with uprightness of heart and holy joy
we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
My Advent Reflections

A Project
F O R NEIGH BOURHOOD GROUPS, MINISTRY AND FAM ILY
The group will work together to prepare a gift for an unexpected person (there will be no
one in mind when you begin this project).
The gift will be prepared in stages and there will be four parts to this gift.
Advent Week 1
The first part of the gift will be spiritual bouquet through prayers and fasting.
The group will come together to decide the types and frequency of prayers and fasting to
adopt.
Advent Week 2
The second part of the gift is each person is to write down on a piece of paper or small note
pad, inspiring words based on what Jesus said or what is found in the bible.
Advent Week 3
The third part of the gift will be for the group to bake a small cake or some cookies and
place it with the written inspiring words.
Note that cakes are used as a means of blessing the person whom the cake is given to. For
example, we celebrate a persons birthday with a birthday cake. (Suggested recipes are in
the Appendix for your reference.)
Advent Week 4
The group will decide together:
1. How the gift will be wrapped?
2. Who will present it?
3. When to present it?
4. How to present it?
Christmas Day
The people involved in preparing the gift will now pray together and give it to the first
person they agree to give the gift to.
My Reflections

S ECOND SUNDAY OF A DVE NT
Make ready the way

Loving Father,
As the world buzzes around with activities that fill our days this Advent,
we pray that your unceasing graces help us to be aware of the hunger and
thirst in our souls which can only be filled by you.
In gratitude and love, we remember the humble birth of our Lord Jesus and
find much consolation and peace,
For He has redeemed us fully and completely.
May we remember your message of love through Jesus
And bring Your Life and peace to all who are in need of hearing Your Word.
We bless and give you thanks through Jesus, Our Lord.

Amen.
Readings
1 ST R E A DI NG : I S A IA H 4 0 : 1 - 5 , 9 - 1 1
We are presented with a scene of divine command and a pronouncement of forgiveness.
The imagery is God Himself leading His people back from their exile to their homeland
where they are to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the Temple. So the prophet Isaiah speaks
about preparing a path for their King as was the practice of the time, when a king was to
pass through a place, his servants would go ahead to make the roads ready.
The Lord leads them on a journey straight across the wilderness rather than along the
well-watered routes. Then the glory of the Lord His visible presence will be revealed: all
mankind shall see it together. God plans to extend the privilege of being His special people
to all. In verses 9-11, the prophet alludes to the King coming in person.
2 N D R E A DI NG : 2 P E T E R 3 : 8 - 1 4
In the 2nd Reading, we are to ready ourselves and to help others come to know Jesus in the
way we live. How much time do we have to be ready? A day with the Lord can be a 1,000
years. What do St Peters words indicate about how this community of Christians might
have been living as they waited for Jesus second coming?
St Peters words give courage and hope to that community and to us because if the end of
the world seems so slow in coming, it is to give us time to mend our ways and to redirect
our lives. We can take comfort that our own struggles will come to an end. At the same
time, he also warns that the coming can be very sudden, as we all know is very true. We
all know people who have been taken away from us very suddenly, without warning. Right
now, we build this highway for God our Father by our struggles to imitate Jesus for He
has sown the seed of His kingdom and we are to labor with Him to bring about the new
heavens and a new earth.
G O SP E L R E A DI NG : M A R K 1 : 1 - 8
Isaiah 40:3 In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, is echoed in St Marks
Gospel. John the Baptist speaks the words of Isaiah in the 1st Reading. John even
announces Jesus coming while in the womb (Luke 2). Just as the prophets before John,
so must we speak of our Lord Jesus Christs coming through word and deed. For through
John, Andrew and his brother Peter, and Philip and Nathanael became apostles.

Another echo of Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, herald of good tidings is heard in Mark1:1, The
beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The good news points to
the salvation that has come to us in its fullness in Jesus. The good news who is Jesus
constantly challenging us and shaping our lives. We shape up in strength, hope and
courage during Advent as we reflect and take action in response to God becoming flesh
and making us anew. We are to be like clay in the hands of the Master Potter.
Thoughts
Jesus is continually coming, and the dimensions of this coming are manifold. He has
come. He will come again in glory. He comes in each Eucharist celebrated. He says to us
in the first reading: Comfort, O comfort my people, she has received from the Lords hand
double punishment for all her sins. (Is 40:1-2). Jesus has paid the debt of our sin fully and
therefore, we can already celebrate our return to the Lord. The fruit of living the Way of
Jesus every day is a real interior peace that makes us ready to meet him at any time.
What changes can we make in our lives for the year ahead? We hear the Lord always telling
us: Do not be afraid. Be without fear, live our words and actions with strength for Jesus is
always with us (Isaiah 40:9-11).
What sort of a way will we pave for Jesus to come into His world and for others to meet
Jesus this Advent? St Peter tells us: while you wait and long for the Day of God to
come do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace.
The coming of the Lord does not fill His friends with fear and anxiety but rather with a
joyful anticipation of one friend to another.
We have heard that the Lord is patient with us and waiting for us to turn our hearts to
Him. As we anticipate and wait for the coming of the Lord, we do our best to live this
period of anticipation with peace, hope, joy and love so that other will be attracted. Each
of us is given a way to reach people that no one else can reach our family members,
relatives, work colleagues and other people who may come into our life. So, what better
present to give Jesus than a deepening of my own conversion and leading someone else to
know and experience the love of Jesus.
Reflections
Let us look back at last weeks reflections and see how we have made ready the way by
not being influenced by the world. We share our journey with the group. As we are in the
second week, share how you are making your paths straight for the Lord.
F OR M I N I S T RY
It is through what we say and do that others can come to know Jesus. What might some of
the attitudes and behaviours of our ministry that draw others closer to Jesus?
F OR FA M I LY
As you reflect as a family, consider if there is anything that needs to be set straight as you
await the coming of the Lord. Share this as a family.
Does my way of speaking and behaving help others to experience the Good News in my
life? Or do I confirm their suspicion that this world is a selfish and cynical place? How do I
plan to turn away from the self this Advent? And turn towards God?

TA K E HOM E
We all had the experience of waiting for someone or something. It is not the waiting that is
important but how we wait for that someone or something.
Think of that persons struggle with the faith that you were awaken to and offer the person
the Word of God. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to inspire you with the Word of God and
share it with this person.
Closing Prayer
Loving Father,
You send us messengers to proclaim your steadfast love and never-ending mercy. May we
stop thinking of ourselves and focus on you as we keep Your Word in our hearts in our
endless activities.
We begin today, again, to make room for you in our lives and be filled with your peace in
all the empty places of our hearts. Come, Lord Jesus into those spots that are empty of you
which hold us back from giving your peace to others around us.
Come, Holy Spirit and help us to enter into the joy and peace of God.
Amen.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVE NT
Salvation is close
Come Holy Spirit, and fill this time of prayer with your love.
As we look forward to the birth of Jesus, help us to prepare a fitting place for
him in our hearts as we ponder on your Word with joy and hope.
Amen.
Readings
1 ST R E A DI NG : I S A IA H 6 1 : 1 - 2 , 1 0 - 1 1
The prophet Isaiah appeared and prophesied during a traumatic time in the history of
Israel. Caught in the crossfires between the ancient superpowers of its time, the Kingdom
of Judah was threatened on all sides by war, its kings drawn into the petty politics of the
region. Amidst this turmoil, the prophet Isaiah was sent by God to call His people back
and remind them that true security and safety can only be found in Gods promise and
plan, not in earthly alliances.
Isaiah is calling the Jews to account for their actions or inactions in the present. In these
verses, Isaiah sings of his confidence in the Lords salvation. Even with the drums of war
beating, Isaiah proclaims that the Lord is sovereign: the poor, the oppressed, and the
captives will be liberated. There is a good reason to rejoice and be glad. In the light of Gods
majesty, all earthly powers fade into the background.
2 N D R E A DI NG : 1 T H E S S A L ON IA N S 5 : 1 6 - 2 4
On the second leg of Pauls missionary journey, his travels took him to Greece.
Thessalonica, the second city on his itinerary, was the capital of the Roman Province
of Macedonia. Like any cosmopolitan port city, Thessalonica was built on trade and
commerce, its streets filled with people from all walks of life. This was not a holiday.
He had to work to pay for his keep. As he preached the Gospel there, a number of
Thessalonians accepted the Christian faith and formed the core of the church, all in a
matter of weeks. The swiftness of Pauls success was matched only by the persecution that
sprung up against him and these early Christians. Forced to flee, he wrote letters to exhort
the Thessalonians to hold on to their faith in Jesus Christ.
These verses of encouragement come towards the end of Pauls letter. Even with all the
difficulties and hostilities they face, Paul asks them to rejoice always, for there is much to
rejoice about and give thanks for in Jesus Christ. He continues with confident advice on
how to live out the Christian life in an easy-to-remember bullet-point format.
G O SP E L R E A DI NG : JOH N 1 : 6 - 8 , 1 9 - 2 8
This weeks Gospel reading begins with an introduction of two individuals: John and Jesus.
In answer to those questioning him, John the Baptist makes clear who he is by saying who
he is not. Hes not the Christ. Hes not the anointed one. Hes not any of the prophets come
back from the dead. Its not about him. Hes merely the person announcing the Christ, the
messiah that everyone is waiting and looking anxiously for.

Quoting the prophet Isaiah (40:3), John likens himself to the voice crying in the
wilderness; the sign pointing towards the straight path; the witness testifying about whos
to come. Whatever the priests, Levites, and Pharisees think they know, John is not the one
they are looking for but one who is already living and moving among them. Jesus has not
yet appeared in person but already, the sense of expectation is mounting.
Thoughts
A deep sense of confidence and assurance radiates from the readings on this Third Sunday
of Advent. Keeping in mind the great challenges experienced by the Jews in the first
reading and the Christians in the second reading, Isaiahs and Pauls message of joy and
hope sounds out of concord with their immediate circumstances. However, worrying and
fretting can only take you so far. Their words have stood the test of time. Although written
in different situations at different times, their message is rooted in the same loving God
who has called us and will not fail us (1 Thes 5:24) because God has clothed us in garments
of salvation and wrapped us in integrity (Is 61:10).
In knowing intimately the God they bear witness to and worship, Isaiah and Paul are not
only able to speak confidently about Gods promise but also urge their communities to live
with joy and hope knowing that they are Gods chosen people.
The question of identity also shines through in the readings. We see it taking shape in the
Gospel when John the Baptist clears all doubts about who he is. His identity is an anchor.
When asked, Who are you? He replies with conviction. Hes the forerunner, the one sent
to prepare the way for Christs coming. His reply moves us to anchor our own identities, in
relation to Christ.
Through Baptism, we have become Gods chosen people. We too have been called,
anointed, and redeemed as sons and daughters of God our Father. That is our identity
as Christians. From the moment we are born, we begin the journey of fully becoming
ourselves. Over time, we gain a clearer understanding of who we are and who we are not,
in relation to others. If the priests, Levites, and Pharisees turned to us instead and asked,
Who are you? how might we respond?
Do your identity include the anticipation of the coming of Jesus Christ and hence being a
person of joy and hope?
Reflections
As we have progressed by putting out the distractions, we can be filled with joy at the
coming of Jesus. Salvation is closer at hand when we avail ourselves without distractions
to the ways of the Lord. The Jews were distracted by the wars that were raging around
them. How concretely have we put aside the distractions of consumerism, materialism and
hedonism in order to be ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?
F OR M I N I S T RY
Is your ministry filled with joy and great expectation because the salvation promised is
close at hand or are you still dwelling in the politics of the group and the indifference of
others and the infighting that is going on? Are you ready to meet the Lord Jesus Christ if
He comes today?
F OR FA M I LY
Will you have a joyous Christmas without the presents and partying of the world? As a
family are you close to the salvation of God our Father through Jesus Christ?
As you are journeying on your own, are you filled with joy despite all that has been going
on around you?

TA K E HOM E
Anchor your identity in Jesus Christ. Discover who Jesus is to you. Discover who you are
in Christ, as a son/daughter of God our Father.
Think of ways in which you can offer joy to the person that you were awakened to at the
beginning of Advent. Continue to invite that person to the community by acknowledging
that persons uniqueness.
Closing Prayer
Dear God our Father, fill our hearts with joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus.
As we give thanks for all the gifts that you have showered on us, may our joy spill over
generously as we celebrate Christmas in our families and communities.
Amen.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF A DVE NT
Obedience as we wait
Lord Jesus, help us to listen with our hearts as we prepare ourselves for the
celebration of your birth. Thank you for coming into our broken world to
live among us, fully human while you are fully divine.
We ask for the grace to be present today to listen and hear what you know
each of us may need.
We pray this in your most holy and precious name.
Amen.
Readings
1 ST R E A DI NG : 2 S A M U E L 7 : 1 - 5 , 8 - 1 2 , 1 4 , 1 6
God keeps his promise to David, protecting him from his enemies, and assuring David
that his house will remain - a dynasty of sorts. God speaks to David through Nathan, and
reminds David that it is God who raises him from a shepherd to a king; God is always with
him through trials and tribulations; God helps him gain victory over his enemies. God has
chosen David to deliver Israel and establish a place of peace for the people of God. The line
of David continues to Jesus.
2 N D R E A DI NG : ROM A N S 1 6 : 2 5 - 2 7
St Paul assures the Romans that God has shown through signs that they have been given
strength to live according to the gospel. This is the gospel that St Paul preaches, just as
Christ preached, which is the mystery of God that has been revealed and fulfilled through
the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Some scholars assert that the obedience of faith that St
Paul writes to the Romans about refers to a faith that consists of obedience as opposed to
being obedient to the faith. This chapter ends with a doxology - a formula for praising
God, in this case, praising each person in the Trinity.
G O SP E L R E A DI NG : LU K E 1 : 2 6 - 3 8
The Annunciation is only detailed in this gospel reading. Angel Gabriel appears to Mary,
who is betrothed to Joseph, but not yet married, and tells her that despite being a virgin,
she will conceive and give birth to the Messiah. The angel dispels Marys confusion
and fear by telling her that she has found favour with God. Also, to assure Mary that
everything is possible with God, the angel shares the news that Marys cousin, Elizabeth,
who was barren, has conceived in her old age and is already in her sixth month of
pregnancy. Despite reservations that Mary must have had, she had faith and trusted in the
Lords plans, as she said to the angel, I am the handmaid of the Lord, let what you have
said be done to me.

Thoughts
The season of Advent is about waiting. Waiting is never easy, just ask any child who
is waiting for his birthday to arrive. The good news is that we already know what we
are waiting for - eternal life with God our Father. In our chaotic world, where we are
constantly being bombarded with fads, movements, conflicting ideas, 24-hour news cycle
- now with fake news included, it is easy to drown in a sea of mess. The good news is that
despite all the chaos, there is a constant - God our Father.
In each of the three readings for this Sunday, we see that God our Father delivers on his
promise to His people: Jesus comes from the house of David, Gods promise to David that
his throne will endure forever; incarnation of Christ as revelation of mystery as preached
by St Paul to the Romans is Gods promise to all; and the miracles of barren Elizabeth
bearing John the Baptist as well as conception of Jesus by virgin Mary is Gods promise that
all things are possible with God our Father.
Mary shows us that it takes courage to trust in Gods plan for us, and it is human to fear the
unknown. In fact, before we get to the point of even trusting in Gods plan for us, we need
to take a step back to listen, so that we can figure out what the plan truly is. Then we are
asked to obey the will of God our Father. This is not something that can be rushed. These
things take time. It can also take time to accept that Gods plan for us is not what we have
planned for ourselves, so a change of heart to align our plans with Gods plans is likely to
take time, since changes seldom happen overnight.
Waiting is never easy, and patience is a virtue. As we approach the celebration of the
incarnation of Jesus and reflect on the humbling image of the baby Jesus born in the
manger, let us take heart and be courageous to say yes to what God our Father has
in store for us. We can be assured of Gods faithfulness. God our Father has kept his
promises, fulfilled by Jesus being born fully human for our salvation.
Do we take into consideration that our anticipation includes being obedient when things
do not seem to go the way we think they should? It takes faith and courage to take this
posture of anticipation. The Lord invites us to consider this and to say Yes wholeheartedly.
Reflections
What is a promise that God our Father has kept to your group?
How is your group listening to the needs of each other?
F OR M I N I S T RY
How is your ministry listening to what the Lord has to say? Does your ministry trust that
God our Father through Jesus Christ is the head of your ministry? What are the signs of
this obedience as you wait for the coming of Jesus Christ?
F OR FA M I LY
What is the promise that the family has made to God our Father? If you cannot think of
one, it is a good time to think of how you are going to respond to the promise God our
Father made to you and kept it.
How am I listening to Gods plans for me? What are concrete actions I have taken to show
that I will obey him and put his plans into motion?

TA K E HOM E
God our Father always keeps His promises. In Him, we should totally trust and obey.
Think of the person you have been journeying with and think of some concrete ways in
which you can show the person the promise of God our Father promise of peace, joy and
love.
Closing Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for being present with us.
Knowing that you are steadfast in your promises, we too can be courageous and patient,
with your help.
We pray that we will be able to experience the joy of Christmas as we celebrate Christs
birth. Amen.

Christmas
REFLECT IO NS

C HRISTMA S NATIVITY OF TH E LO R D
Open your hearts

to receive Him
Father,
we have been anticipating your coming with much joy and
excitement in our hearts. Our preparations to make our hearts
truly welcoming may be far from perfect due to our worldly
preoccupations, busyness and fears but we trust that you value
even the smallest of our desires to draw close to you.
May your Word enlighten our minds and hearts so that we may
discern once again what you ask of our lives and put them into
practice through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Readings
1 ST R E A DI NG I S A IA H 5 2 : 7 - 1 0
Isaiah chapters 40 to 55 are considered by Catholic scholars to be written by a different
author from the one of chapters 1 to 39. The Israelites here are in Babylonian exile. Prior
to the exile, Israel and particularly Jerusalems inhabitants were relatively well-off, overly
self-confident and material-minded; conversely, the prophet saw a people disillusioned and
destitute, severely tempted to apostasy. The exiles must be comforted and not punished;
their faith must be sustained and not further tested.
In verse 7, there is great excitement about a certain messenger of good news! In verse 8, the
joyful shout of verse 7 is repeated by the watchmen guarding Jerusalems ruined walls and
people witness the Lord restoring Zion. Verses 9-10 are a thanksgiving hymn in response
to the messenger, resounding with Old Testament texts (Zeph 3:13-18; Joel 2:21).
2 N D R E A DI NG : H E B R E WS 1 : 1 - 6
God has never said to any angel: You are my Son, today I have become your father; or I
will be a father to him and he is a son to me. Again, when he brings the First-born into the
world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.
Hebrews starts with a prologue centred on the idea of word, similarly in todays Gospel,
John 1:1-18 and 1 John 1:1-4 which is concerned with the appropriate response of the
hearers to the new way of God speaking .
The underlying idea is that of word as Gods revelation to humanity. The verses suggest
the broader understanding of all Gods dealings with humanity, beginning with the bible
and extending to the significance of the divine Son.
G O SP E L R E A DI NG : JOH N 1 : 1 - 1 8
Johns prologue speaks of Gods Word or revelation, of how he has explained himself to
us. As we humans reveal ourselves through what we say and, even more, by what we do,
so God through the centuries has offered his own self-revelation through act and speech.
God revealed himself through creation (vv. 2-5), but also through his Old Testament word
(vv. 10-13), that is, through his covenants, the Mosaic writings, the prophets, and the
wisdom literature. Those who opened their eyes and believed in this ancient revelation
became children of Godbornof God (vv. 12-13). Finally God has revealed himself
fully through the incarnation of the Word, Jesus Christ, whom John the Baptist has given
testimony (vv.14-15). Jesus is the Son, the only Son at the Fathers side (v.18) and reveals
himself to those open to light and truth.

Thoughts
The whole season of Advent is one of anticipation, of eager awaiting of Jesus Christ, the
Messiah who brings hope, peace, joy, and salvation to all mankind. Like the Israelites in
Babylon exiled from Jerusalem in the first reading, on earth we are all waiting for our
heavenly homeland feeling many a time, lost, abandoned and disillusioned.
The Saviour of all, whom the prophets of the past spoke about in the second reading, has
been born in utter simplicity as a baby, a human being, like us. The great and almighty
Word of God, the Son of the Father, Jesus, has chosen to live among sinful and ungrateful
humanity. From day one, Jesus was rejected and deprived of every place of shelter in
his town and visited by shepherds who were despised outcasts (the gypsies or illegal
immigrants of that time). If Jesus was born in similar conditions today, where would that
be?
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us precisely to be present in the miseries of the
world. Jesus desires to bless every person and liberate all who are enslaved by fear, hatred,
anger, loneliness, money, power, status, addictions, oppressions, hopelessness, indifference,
passivity in life, passions of the flesh, etc. Whether we are aware or not, we are often times
enslaved to something or someone, and unable to live in the light, in grace and truth.
Are you willing to accept that Jesus can fulfill your life more than anything or anyone of
this earth can? Or are you going to reject Him from entering fully into your life and cause
him to sleep out in the cold again with nowhere to rest his head?
When we learn to anticipate Jesus coming fully into our lives with the right spirit, we will
surely want to embrace rather than reject Him.
Reflections
Let us share our heartfelt desires for Jesus to fully enter our lives and so welcome Him
this Christmas. Discuss about the different situations in our neighbourhood where we see
misery and pain and explore ways in which we can render help and bring Christ there.
F OR M I N I S T RY
We are in ministry to support one another in our faith journey. Share the kind of help that
you would like from ministry members in order to live a life centred on the Word. Share
also your insights on how you can help ministry members live a more Christ-centred life.
F OR FA M I LY
Share about your best hopes, wishes and dreams for your family members. Express your
gratitude through various means for the joy of being accepted as part of the family. Think
of and pray for those who are not as fortunate as you to have experienced this; for Jesus to
enter into their situations of darkness and pain to bring healing and light.
Reflect and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you about those areas of your life where you are
still enslaved to the attractions of the world. Seek the Lord Jesus to liberate you from those
enslavements so as to live a truly sanctified and fulfilling life.

TA K E HOM E
There is life through His Word which gave life to all the world.
Share with a family member, friend or community member your reflection and the change
you hope to effect in your life in order for this Christmas to be more than just a days event
but another significant milestone in your spiritual journey.
Closing Prayer
Thank you Jesus for loving us so much as to choose to be born as a hapless babe in a world
so hostile and ungrateful. You long to awaken the capacity in us to love others sincerely
and generously.
Free us from every worldly enslavement and fear and completely take over our hearts so
that our lives may always be a joyful and grateful song of praise!
May we who are freed be at your disposal also to help liberate others from their pain and
suffering! Amen.
My Christmas Reflections

S OLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER O F GO D
Mary, a willing vessel

open to receive Gods grace
O Mary, Mother of God, and our Mother,
we dedicate this New Year to you. We remember your humble

acceptance of your role in Gods plan, and by your yes to God,
bore us the greatest Saviour we have ever known. With grateful
hearts, we ask your prayers for our conflicted world, in the
hope that through the grace of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ,
peace may be born in the hearts of the troubled.
We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.
Readings
1 ST R E A DI NG : N UM B E R S 6 : 2 2 - 2 7
After Israel had received the Law, God imparts to Moses a special prayer. It is to be
delivered by his brother Aaron over the people of Israel and reminds them that they are
now in a covenant, a nation that now belongs to God as Gods chosen people. If Israel
remains faithful in this relationship with God, they will not only enjoy blessings, they will
also experience harmony with one another in the fellowship of God.
All followers of God should take this prayer to heart, and realize that only in communion
with God can we find true peace in all our other relationships.
2 N D R E A DI NG : G A L AT IA N S 4 : 4 - 7
The Law alone could not maintain good relationship between Israel and God. Religious
authorities emphasized so much on keeping the Law and idolizing the Law that they
lost sight of Gods presence in their lives. The Law had become a burden. Paul tells the
Galatians that Christ came into the world to restore right relationship with God once and
for all not by discarding the Law but by giving them his Spirit. With his Spirit, Israel will
be able once again to see the Law in its proper light and know the intention of God. They
would rediscover their closeness to God as Gods children.
G O SP E L R E A DI NG : LU K E 2 : 1 6 - 2 1
Luke the Evangelist tells us that Mary was reflecting on them in her heart. Mary our
Mother had a key role in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only she and she alone
was given the fullness of the events that were to unfold for the rest of the world to be
astonished. No one can understand the depth of the faith that our Mother had when she
who did not understand accepted in faith what was going to happen.
Mary and Joseph were devout Jews, so according to the custom, brought Jesus to be
circumcised as the Law prescribed. Little did Mary know that it would eventually be the
custodians of that Law who would hand Jesus over at a later time to be put to death.

Thoughts
The title Mother of God originated from the early days of the Church. Mary has enjoyed
a special devotion in the Church since the opening centuries of Christianity, which still
exists today in the liturgy and piety of the Orthodox and Catholic communities.
Confusion reigned in those years before the doctrine of Christs human and divine natures
had been firmly established. Objections to the title Mother of God were in fact really
about issues concerning the dual nature of Christ. Some early Christians like Nestorius
the Bishop of Constantinople would not accept that Mary be called Theotokos (God-
bearer) as they did not believe that God could have been born by a mere human woman.
Others, like Cyril of Alexandria, vigorously defended the long-standing use of that title
for Mary, insisting that Jesus was truly God and thus in a sense God was indeed born of
a woman. Although the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD declared that Cyrils was the right
teaching, the controversy continued and required subsequent councils to re-assert the
correct doctrine of Ephesus.
Like Mary, we should attune our hearts to listen to the voice of God in our world, and be
prepared to go beyond the conventional in our own response to Gods challenge to bear
Christ also to the world. Only by the power of the Prince of Peace, will we be able to bring
peace to where there is unrest. It is no coincidence that the Catholic Church celebrates the
World Day of Peace on the same day as the Solemnity of the Mother of God.
Our Yes to God prompts us, like Mary to take active response to bear Christ to the world.
Our anticipation is not a passive one but one that is dynamic because it is our response to
God our Father to bring Christ to all by first being peacemakers.
Reflections
We honour Mary our Mother through devotion and more so when we emulate her faith.
What are the examples of this in our living in an expectant community?
F OR M I N I S T RY
As we work in our ministries, what is the place of Mary our Mother? Do we turn to her as
an example to follow when we are in doubt or when there is conflict in our ministry?
F OR FA M I LY
Do we pray the rosary together as a family? As we have just celebrated Christmas, did we
give place to Mary our Mother in our celebrations?
How is Marys example of relationship with God important for me?

How can I live in Christs Spirit and avoid legalism (overemphasis on rules and obligations)
in my spiritual life?
TA K E HOM E
Mary was reflective what are one or two ways I can be more mindful of Gods presence in
my life?
Being a God-bearer does not require great eloquence or the performance of spectacles.
Mary accepted the will of God for her without fanfare, but in humility. She was a woman
of few words, but of great obedience to God. Mary gave us Jesus, but had no control of how
people would receive him. Once again, you are invited to go out to yet another Catholic
who has lost his or her way and bring them back to Jesus through Mary our Mother.

Closing Prayer
Almighty Father, we praise and thank you for such a wonderful plan to grant us eternal life
through Jesus and the fiat from Mary.
As we celebrate the Solemnity of our Blessed Virgin Mary and also the first day of a new
year, may we imitate the humility and obedience of Jesus and Mary, and be the bearer of
peace and good news to others.
Amen.

EPIPHA NY OF THE LO R D
Offer the gift

of divine love to others
Dear Heavenly Father, shine the light upon us as we listen

to your Word. We pray that you dispel the ambiguity and
uncertainty in our lives.
Help us to see clearly the goodness of your works as we

journey together as a community of faith.
Amen.
Readings
1 ST R E A DI NG : I S A IA H 6 0 : 1 - 6
This first reading marks a sudden shift in the tone of the prophets writings. Where the
four preceding chapters focused on the past and present sins of Gods people (Is 56-59),
the mood here suddenly turns joyful and hopeful. There is a reversal, a promise of great
things for the people who have lost their way and suffered punishment at the hands of their
enemies.
The Lord has come to his holy city, and out of Jerusalem, a light will shine out to all the
nations. Where before, the tribes of Israel were forcefully removed from their land, now
the Gentile nations will look to Jerusalem in awesome wonder and bring back the people
they had stolen. Where before, the citys wealth bled away at the hands of its enemies, now
the riches of the world will flow back to Jerusalem. All this came to pass because the light
of Gods glory, his presence, shines out into the whole world as a beacon of hope for all
peoples.
2 N D R E A DI NG : E P H E SIA N S 3 : 2 - 3 , 5 - 6
Pauls letter to the Ephesians delves into who and what the church is, and exists for. This
letter isnt a manifesto about church membership - about who belongs and who doesnt.
Its a mission statement. With Christ as its head, the church gathers together people from
all places, both Jews and Gentiles, and unites them under one faith and one hope for a
common purpose. Gods promise that was once revealed to the Jews is now shared with
those who, like Paul, have been called and gifted by the grace of God to bring the Gospel to
the rest of the world.
This letter has universal implications. It isnt just relevant to the Christian community in
Ephesus but is directed to the whole church. Whatever our origins, in Christ, we are all co-
heirs to his promise of eternal life. Like Paul, we have received the gift of faith not for our
own sakes alone. Instead, we now share the privilege of handing on the Good News.
G O SP E L R E A DI NG : M AT T H E W 2 : 1 - 1 2
This weeks Gospel reading from Matthew begins with the birth of Jesus and recounts all
the unexpected ways that different people react to his coming into the world. Although we
know that the Jews have been awaiting the Messiah, it is a few wise men, Gentiles from the
East, who are the first to recognise and respond to the signs of the times. They make the
long journey to seek Jesus out and do him homage. This movement of faith, both physical
and spiritual, is strangely paralleled by a suspicion and perturbation that grips the whole of
Jerusalem. Already, Jesus very presence brings about both consolation and confrontation.

For these wise men, Jesus star is a beacon that guides them to him. But for others, his star
is lost amid the night sky, just one light in a constellation of lights. We do not know much
about these wise men or even how many journeyed in their pilgrimage to Bethlehem but
they represent the rest of the world in its search for Jesus Christ, Son of God - the saviour
of the world.
Thoughts
This week, Catholics of the Latin rite around the world celebrate the feast of the Epiphany
of our Lord. The word epiphany carries a specific meaning: to shine upon, manifest, or
make known. This feast day, we celebrate the making known of Jesus to the world through
a journey of faith that a few wise men from the East undertook. They were the first
outsiders to recognise who Jesus is, and they responded with conviction. We can identify
with their journey of faith. Following the light of truth that reveals who Jesus is, they
travelled to Bethlehem and falling on their knees in worship, they offered him precious
gifts in homage. This too is our journey of faith, of those of us who seek God.
As in the first reading, the light that shines out and reveals the glory of God in the world
needs to cut through the darkness that still covers the earth. The night sky is filled with
other blinking and twinkling lights that distract us from the star over Bethlehem. What are
these lesser lights that distract us from finding/following God in our lives? As we follow the
star and navigate our way to Bethlehem, we may meet people along the way who want to
join us or prevent us from reaching our destination. How do we respond to them? Finally,
as we enter the house where the infant Jesus lays and drop to our knees in worship, we
present the treasures that weve brought with us. What gifts do we offer?
The wise men may have brought gifts for Jesus but they certainly didnt leave empty-handed.
They took with them an even greater gift - the knowledge that God is not a fickle spectator
of some human comedy but someone who is very much with us, Emmanuel, who sent his
Son into the world to redeem us, that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, might become sons and
daughters of God.
Reflections
As Christians in community, how does your example in the neighbourhood shine the light
of Christ and inspire others to find/follow God?
F OR M I N I S T RY
How has your ministry brought about the spreading of the Good News in a meaningful
way?
F OR FA M I LY
Share about where you are in your journey of faith towards the Lord, using the movement
of the wise men towards Jesus as a metaphor.
How do you travel without getting lost in the bright light of the city to find the Lord Jesus?
What or who is your guiding star?
TA K E HOM E
The light of Gods glory shines forth and cuts through the darkness in our lives.
Share your personal journey of faith in Christ Jesus with someone whos seeking to know
God in a deeper way.

Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus.
May the light of your glory cut through the darkness in our lives.
As we come to know you better, may our journey of faith take us closer to seeing you
face-to-face. Amen.

A PPEND IX
Christmas Recipes
Recipe for Fruit Cake
Serves 16
Prep Time: 30 minutes, plus several hours or overnight to soak the dried fruits.
Cooking Time: 2 - 2 hours
Ingredients:
350g sultanas 225g raisins
115g ready-to-eat dried apricots chopped 85g stoned dates, chopped
4 tbsp dark rum or brandy, plus extra for Finely grated rind and juice of 1 orange
flavouring (optional)
225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for 225g light muscovado sugar
greasing
4 eggs, beaten 70g chopped mixed peel
85g glazed cherries, quartered 25g chopped glazed ginger or stem ginger
40g blanched almonds, chopped 200g plain flour
1 tsp mixed spice
Directions:
1. Place the sultanas, raisins, apricots and dates in a large bowl and stir in the rum, if
using, orange rind and orange juice. Cover and leave to soak for several hours or
overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 150 degree Celsius.
3. Grease a 20cm round springform cake tin and line with baking paper.
4. Whisk the butter and sugar together until pale and creamy. Gradually whisk in the
eggs, whisking hard after each addition. Stir in the soaked fruits, mixed peel, glazed
cherries, glazed ginger and blanched almonds.
5. Sift together the flour and mixed spice, then fold lightly and evenly into the mixture.
6. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface, making a slight depression in the
centre with the back of the spoon.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 - 2 hours, or until the cake is beginning to
shrink away from the sides and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Leave to cool completely in the tin.
9. Unclip and release the springform, turn out the cake and remove the baking paper.
Wrap in some greaseproof paper and foil, and store.
10. To add a richer flavor, prick the cake with a skewer and spoon over 1-2 tablespoons of
rum or brandy, if using, before storing.

Sugar Cookie Recipe
(for cut cookies makes 5 dozen 3 cookies)
Ingredients:
Wet Ingredients Group A: Dry Ingredients Group C:
1 cup butter 3 cups flour
1 cup sugar 1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients Group B:
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract or desired flavouring /
lemon juice
Directions:
1. Preheat oven before baking.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients Group A (butter and sugar) together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients Group B (eggs and vanilla).
4. Mix well.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients Group C (flour, baking powder, salt) together, and add to wet
mixture a bit at a time until completed mixed in.
6. Chill for 1 to 2 hours.
7. Roll and cut dough with cookie cutters.
8. Bake at 175 degree Celsius for 8 to 10 minutes or until edge start to turn brown.
Reduced Sugar Butter Cookie Recipe
(Healthier choice)
Ingredients:
220 g unsalted butter, cubed and softened 2 pinches of salt
80 g caster sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence
24 g egg yolk OR 2 tbsp milk 360 g Plain flour
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 190C (use 180 C for fan-assisted oven) for at least 15 minutes. Line a
cookie tray with baking parchment.
2. Whisk butter, sugar and vanilla essence in a bowl until just creamy. For small quantities,
use a hand whisk and for larger quantities, use an electric mixer.
3. Whisk in egg yolk (or milk) until blended.
4. Add the plain flour and stir with a spoon or spatula until the mixture comes together.
Knead by hand for a few seconds to form a ball of dough.
5. Chill the dough for 15-30 min or until firm. Place the dough on a sheet of baking
parchment. Dust the rolling pin and roll out the dough to about 1/2 cm thick.
6. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. The scraps can be gathered and rolled out again.
7. Bake similar sized shapes in the same batch on the centre rack of the oven. Small
cookies (2-3 cm wide) take around 12-14 minutes and medium sized cookies (5 cm)
take around 16-18 minutes. Large cookies will take around 18-25 minutes. Bake until
the sides are golden brown and the centres are slightly browned. The cookies will
continue to harden as they cool.

Advent / Christmas Activities
A DV E N T W R E AT H
You may wish to prepare an Advent wreath in advance as you use this booklet to pray with
your Ministry, Community, Family or even as an individual.
The symbolism of the Advent wreath lies in the tension between light and darkness,
waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the light of the world. The progressive lighting of
the candles each week symbolises the expectation and hope surrounding our Lords first
coming into the world and the anticipation of His second coming to judge the living and
the dead. As the candle is lit each week, light increases and darkness decreases as we are
reminded that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world and has overcame darkness.
Praying with the Advent Wreath

(4 weeks of Advent wreath prayers are adapted from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayer
(NCCB, 1988))
F I R ST W E E K OF A DV E N T
All make the sign of the cross as the leader says:
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
Response: Who made heaven and earth.
Scripture is read
Isaiah 9:1-2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land
of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing; they
rejoice before you as people rejoice at harvest, as they exult when dividing the spoils.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.
After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercessions and in the Lords Prayers.
Then the leader invites:

Leader: Let us now pray for Gods blessing upon us and this wreath.
All place their palms face-down over the Advent Wreath and the leader prays:
Leader: Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hope
of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christs promise to bring us salvation.
May he come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Response: Amen.
The first purple candle is then lighted.
Leader: Let us bless the Lord.

Response: Thanks be to God.
The blessing may conclude with a verse from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel:
O come, desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind;
bid evry sad division cease and be thyself our Prince of peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
SE C ON D W E E K OF A DV E N T
First and Second purple candles are lighted as the leaders says:
Leader: Blessed are you Lord God of all creation: in the darkness and in the light
Blessed are you as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Response: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.
Leader: Come, Lord Jesus!

Response: Come quickly!
Leader: Let us live soberly, justly, and devoutly in this world as we wait in joyful hope for
the coming of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
T H I R D W E E K OF A DV E N T
First and Second purple candles and the pink candle are lighted as the leaders says:

F OU RT H W E E K OF A DV E N T
First, Second and the third purple candles and the pink candle are lighted as the leaders says:

C H R I ST M AS E V E OR C H R I ST M AS DAY
Leader: We have come to the eve of our Christmas celebration, Jesus birthday. (Or: Today,
we celebrate Jesus birthday.) We have spent a long time preparing for his coming. Let us
listen to the words of the prophets who foretold his coming.
Reader 1: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a
land of deep darkness - on them light has shined.
Reader 2: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince
of Peace.
Reader 3: But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the
rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people
Israel.
Leader: Today, we celebrate the great fulfilment of all these promises. Scripture proclaims
that to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
And so, we light all the candles of the Advent Wreath.
First, we light the candle for HOPE because Jesus is our hope. (1st purple candle lighted)
Second, we light the candle for PEACE because Jesus is our hope and peace. (2nd purple
candle lighted)
Third, we light the candle for JOY because Jesus brings joy. (Pink candle lighted)
Fourth, we light the candle for LOVE because Jesus is love. (3rd purple candle lighted)
Finally, we light the centre candle. This is the CHRIST candle. We light this candle to
celebrate that Jesus is born. He has come into our lives for ever. (White candle lighted)
Leader: Loving Father, we thank you for your great gift of Jesus Christ, your son. God of
love, Father of all, the darkness that covered the earth has given way to the bright dawn of
your Word made flesh. Make us a people of this light. Make us faithful to your Word that
we may bring your life to the waiting world. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Response: Amen.

Jesse Tree Kit
By Betsy Walter
The Jesse tree tells about Christs ancestry through symbols and relates Scripture to
salvation history, progressing from creation to the birth of Christ. Jesse was the father of
the great King David of the Old Testament. He is often looked upon as the first person in
the genealogy of Jesus.
Historically, a design developed in Church art showing the relationship of Jesus with
Jesse and other biblical personages. This design showed a branched tree growing from
a reclining figure of Jesse. The various branches had pictures of other Old and New
Testament figures who were ancestors of Jesus. At the top of the tree were figures of Mary
and Jesus.
If you dont have a real tree to use for your Jesse tree, you can use an artificial tree or cut
one out of a large piece of cardboard. The ornaments that go on the tree can also be made
out of cardboard or old magazines. Get creative with the whole family! If you are praying
with the Jesse tree, you will need 24 ornaments (one for each day), which is a great craft
project for the whole family on weekends.
Praying with the Jesse Tree begins from December 1 all the way up to Christmas Eve and is
a wonderful way to remember the great promises of God that are fulfilled in Jesus.
Here is a prayer service to use for the Jesse Tree throughout Advent:
Step 1. The family gathers around the Tree. Light the candle on the Advent wreath for that
week and a parent can say a simple opening prayer.
Step 2. The person who made the symbol for the day reads the Bible selection. Parents or
an older child can read for a small child. Pass around the ornament for all to see. Then the
person who made it hangs it on the Tree.
Step 3. Another family member then reads the prayer for the current week of Advent.
(During the time of December 17-23, the O Antiphon takes the place of the Advent
prayer, or can be used in addition to the weekly prayer if desired. For the prayers on O
Antiphon, please refer to The The O Antiphons of Advent Page.)
Step 4. After the Advent prayer, the members of the family can pray silently or share prayer
aloud for a few minutes.
Step 5. Close the service with a familiar Advent hymn.
These scripture texts can be used during your Jesse Tree activity. The following symbols are
suggested, or you can create your own.
1. December 1, Creation: Genesis 1:1-31; 2:1-4. Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals,
earth.
2. December 2, Adam and Eve: Genesis 2:7-9, 18-24. Symbols: tree, man, woman
December 3, Fall of Man: Genesis 3:1-7 and 23-24. Symbols: tree, serpent
3. December 4, Noah: Genesis 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22. Symbols: ark, animals,
dove, rainbow.
4. December 5, Abraham: Genesis 12:1-3. Symbols: mountain.
5. December 6, Isaac: Genesis 22:1-14. Symbols: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush.
6. December 7, Jacob: Genesis 25:1-34; 28:10-15. Symbols: ladder.
7. December 8, Joseph: Genesis 37:23-28; 45:3-15. Symbols: bucket, well, silver coins,
tunic.
8. December 9, Moses: Exodus 2:1-10. Symbols: baby in basket, river and rushes.
9. December 10, Samuel: 1 Samuel 3:1-18. Symbols: lamp, temple.
10. December 11, Jesse: 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Symbols: crimson robe, shepherds staff.
11. December 12, David: 1 Samuel 17:12-51. Symbols: slingshot, 6-pointed star.
12. December 13, Solomon: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28. Symbols: scales of justice, temple, two
babies and sword.
13. December 14, Joseph: Matthew 1:18-25. Symbols: hammer, saw, chisel, angel.
14. December 15, Mary: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38. Symbols: lily, crown of stars,
pierced heart.
15. December 16, John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8. Symbols: shell with water, river.
16. On December 17, the Church begins to intensify the preparation for Christmas with
the use of the O Antiphons during the Liturgy of the Hours. The symbols for the
Jesse Tree from December 17 to 23 are based on the O Antiphons.
17. December 17, Jesus is Wisdom: Sirach 24:2; Wisdom 8:1. Symbols: oil lamp, open
book.
18. December 18, Jesus is Lord: Exodus 3:2; 20:1. Symbols: burning bush, stone tablets.
19. December 19, Jesus is Root of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3. Symbols: flower, plant with flower.
20. December 20, Jesus is Key of David: Isaiah 22:22. Symbols: key, broken chains.
21. December 21, Jesus is the Radiant Dawn: Psalm 19:6-7. Symbols: sun rising or high
in sky.
22. December 22, Jesus is King of the Gentiles: Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20. Symbols:
crown, sceptre.
23. December 23, Jesus is Emmanuel: Isaiah 7:14; 33:22. Symbols: chalice and host.
24. December 24, Jesus is Light of the World: John 1:1-14. Symbols: candle, flame, sun.

J E S SE T R E E P R AY E R S
First Week:
O Lord, stir up your power and come, that we may be rescued from the results of our sins
by your holy protection. Come and free us from sin. We ask this of you through Jesus our
Lord. Amen.
Second Week:
O Lord, stir up our hearts to make them ready for the coming of your Son. Help us to
become worthy to serve you. Give us pure hearts and minds. We ask this of you through
Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Third Week:
O Lord, we beg you to listen to our prayers. Give us the light of your grace, that we may
see goodness in the world and not be overcome by the darkness of sin. We ask this of you
through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Fourth Week:
O Lord, stir up your power and come to us. We need you to give us strength, grace and
forgiveness. Our sins keep much good from us. May your grace and your strength help us
to receive the good we need. We ask this of you through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Christmas Eve:

O God, you fill us with happiness each year as we wait for our celebration of Christmas.
May we also joyfully look forward to the coming of Jesus as our final Judge. We ask this of
you through Jesus our Lord. Amen.
The O Antiphons of Advent

The O Antiphons refer to the seven antiphons which are prayers that come from the
Breviarys Vespers during the Octave before Christmas Eve. They are magnificent theology
that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament
to proclaim the coming Christ as fulfilment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present
ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative Come! signify the anticipation of the
long awaited Divine Messiah.
Each Antiphon begins with O and addresses Jesus with a unique title, which comes from
the prophecies of Isaiah:
December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom) Isaiah 11:2-3
December 18: O Adonai (O Lord) Isaiah 11:4-5
December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root Of Jesse) Isaiah 11:1
December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David) Isaiah 22:22
December 21: O Oriens (O Dayspring) Isaiah 9:2
December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations) Isaiah 9:7
December 23: O Emmanuel (O With Us is God) Isaiah 7:14
To pray the O Antiphons as they are prayed in the Divine Office, begin with the
Antiphon, then pray the Magnificat, and then repeat the Antiphon.
December 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us
the path of knowledge!
December 18
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with
your mighty power!
December 19
O Root of Jesses stem, sign of Gods love for all his people: come to save us without delay!
December 20
O Key of David, opening the gates of Gods eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners
of darkness!
December 21
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.
December 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed
from the dust!
December 23
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

Joy to the world
the Lord has come

Please visit www.one.org.sg/feedback
to provide your feedback on this booklet.
Thank you.
Acknowledgements
Writer & Editorial Team
Agnes Ngou
Amanda Yeo
Arthur Goh
Daphne Leong
Gerald Kong
Isabel Ho
Nicholas Pang
Rofina Tham
Rev. Fr. Terence Pereira
Translations
Archdiocesan Commission for the Apostolate of Mandarin-speaking (ACAMS)
Archdiocesan Commission for Tamil-speaking (ACTS)
Designer
Rae Chia
Printer
Naili Printing Services

Blessed Christmas
2 Highland Road #02-02 Singapore 549102

T : 6911 0420 F : 6858 2011
www.one.org.sg

Advent Booklet English 2017

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Advent Booklet English 2017

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

TH E

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 01

Page 06 The Purpose of this booklet

Page 09 Sundays of Advent (Year B)

Page 37 Christmas Reflections

Page 56 Appendix Activities

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 03

Rev. Fr Terence Pereira

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 05

How to use this booklet

The duration of each session is about two hours.

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 07

Week Readings Theme

3rd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 Salvation is close

4th Sunday of Advent 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 Obedience as we wait

Week Readings Theme

Solemnity of Mary, Numbers 6:22-27 Mary, a willing vessel,

Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Offer the gift of

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 09

Not of the World

Lord God, in hopeful anticipation, we pray:

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 11

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 13

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 15

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 17

Make ready the way

We bless and give you thanks through Jesus, Our Lord.

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 19

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 21

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 23

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 25

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 27

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 29

We pray this in your most holy and precious name.

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 31

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 33

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 35

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 37

Open your hearts

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 39

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 41

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 43

Mary, a willing vessel

O Mary, Mother of God, and our Mother,

we dedicate this New Year to you. We remember your humble

We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord.

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 45

How is Marys example of relationship with God important for me?

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 47

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 49

Offer the gift

Dear Heavenly Father, shine the light upon us as we listen

Help us to see clearly the goodness of your works as we

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 51

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 53

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 55

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 57

THE A N TI C I PAT I N G CO MMUNITY PAG E 59

Praying with the Advent Wreath

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

Then the leader invites:

The first purple candle is then lighted.

Leader: Let us bless the Lord.