Tag: Advent

Through Jewish Eyes: A New Way to Understand the Advent and Christmas Scriptures

You’ve heard the Biblical accounts of the Virgin Birth, but I’m willing to bet that (like most people) you misunderstand them. For example, were Mary and Joseph married at the time of the Annunciation? Why does Matthew refer to Joseph as Mary’s “husband,” and yet common translations of Luke have Mary saying to the angel, “I have no husband” (Matt. 1:19; Luke 1:34)? What does it mean that Joseph “took his wife,” or that Joseph “knew her not until she had borne a son” (Matt. 1:24-25)? And finally, why did Joseph consider divorcing Mary, and why does the angel respond by telling him not to be afraid?

How Do We Encounter Christ?

Christ comes to us in history, in Mystery, and in majesty. So how shall we receive Him? Will it be with a spirit of terror, of apathy, or of joy?

When we pray, in the Nicene Creed, “We look forward to the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come,” do we mean it?

6 Ways to Reclaim Advent

Lorenzo Monaco, Adoration of the Magi (1422)

In its rush to enter “the Christmas season,” the world has forgotten about the holy season of Advent. That’s a pity, because if we’re going to welcome Christ into our hearts this Christmas, we need to take the time to make room for Him. Here are 6 ways that you can reclaim Advent.

O Antiphons for the Advent Home Stretch

I interrupt the 10-part series on Campion’s arguments against the Reformation to bring you a few resources for your Advent season. This evening begins the first of what are called the “O Antiphons,” a series of short ancient prayers, traditionally prayed during Vespers. Praying and reflecting upon these prayers is a great way of preparing… Continue reading O Antiphons for the Advent Home Stretch

Day 7: O Emmanuel

Tonight’s O Antiphon is the last one, and it’s the most famous and probably the most beautiful.  It’s “O Emmanuel.” The name Emmanuel.means “God with us,” and it’s taken from Isaiah 7:13-14, in which Isaiah says, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of… Continue reading Day 7: O Emmanuel

Day 6: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)

Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Rex Gentium,” meaning “King of the Nations,” or “King of the Gentiles.” The idea is that the Messiah would be King, not only of the Jews, but the Gentiles as well: that is, of all nations.  For example, Isaiah prophesied of the Christ (in Isa. 2:4), “He shall judge between the nations,… Continue reading Day 6: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)

Day 5: O Oriens (O Rising Sun)

Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Oriens.”  The Latin word “Oriens” literally means “Dawn,” “Rising Sun,” or “East.”  The “O Oriens” prophesy comes from Isaiah 9:1-7, Holman Hunt,Christ the Light of the World (1854) But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zeb’ulun and the land of Naph’tali,… Continue reading Day 5: O Oriens (O Rising Sun)

Day 4: O Clavis David (O Key of David)

Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Clavis David,” which means “O Key of David.”  It’s a reference to Isaiah 22:19-23, and the rise and fall of a man named Eliakim.  In this passage, God removes Shebna from his position of power as Master of the Palace, replacing him with Eliakim: Peter Paul Reubens, St. Peter (1612) I… Continue reading Day 4: O Clavis David (O Key of David)

Day 3: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)

Tonight’s O Antiphon is “O Radix Jesse,” which means “O Root (or Shoot, or Flower) of Jesse.”  In other words, the Messiah will come from Jesse’s lineage.  We hear this title for the Messiah in Isaiah 11:10: “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his… Continue reading Day 3: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)