Seventh Day in the Christmas Octave - December 31

Daily Prayer:
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Opening Prayer:
Ever-living God,in the birth of your Son our religion has its origin and its perfect fulfillment. Help us to share in the life of Christ for he is the salvation of mankind, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings:
Daily Meditation:
And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming. 1 John 2

John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."John 1

Jesus baptizes us in the Holy Spirit. His baptism prepares us for his coming among us now and it gives witness to his presence with us now.

May we remain in the one who has come to be with us. May we place our trust in the one who promises us life.

Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Let us direct our prayers to Christ, the heavenly man and the new Adam, who became a life-giving spirit: Lord, have mercy.

Christ, Sun of Justice, you revealed your glory in our human nature in order to bring to perfection the old covenant, we ask you to pour out your light upon us.

Christ, you were glorified by the angels, announced by the shepherds, confessed and proclaimed by Simeon and Anna, let your Gospel be accepted by the people of the promise.

Christ, when you were born, angels sang glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, we ask you to spread your peace throughout the world.

Christ, as the new Adam you gave new life to the old man and prepared for us a dwelling place in your kingdom, may those overwhelmed by evil be encouraged by hope in you.

Closing Prayer: I beg you, Lord, give me the sight I need so that I can see you in those around me and welcome you into my heart with the joy of celebration.

If only my eyes could be opened! Give me the wisdom and internal vision to see and I will recognize you as my savior not only in my heart today but in my life every day.

I ask that you help me to open my heart more fully to your own dizzying love for me. Help me to be grateful for your incredible gifts to me.
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May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.

Sixth Day in the Christmas Octave - December 30

Daily Prayer:
"Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Opening Prayer:
Ever-living God, in the birth of your Son our religion has its origin and its perfect fulfillment. Help us to share in the life of Christ for he is the salvation of all, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings:
Daily Meditation:
I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do. 1 John 2

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God. John 1

The beginning of this gospel is so simple and so profound. Depending on what has been going on in us this week, this reading can pull it all together, or at least lead us to find our hope in him."From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace."

No one has ever seen God. The only begotten Son, God, who is at the Father's side, has revealed him. John 1

Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions:
Humbly yet confidently, let us invoke Christ the Lord whose favor has been shown to all people:

Lord, have mercy. Christ, born of the Father before the ages, splendor of his glory, image of his being, your word holds all creation in being, we ask you to give new life to our world through your Gospel. Christ, you were born into the world at the fullness of time to save us and to give freedom to every creature, we ask you to extend the liberty of our relationship with you to all people. Christ, consubstantial Son of the Father, begotten before the dawn of day, and born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of the scriptures, we ask you to make your Church a notable exception of poverty and simplicity. Christ, God and man, Lord of David and Son of David, fulfillment of all prophecies, we pray that Israel may recognize you as its Messiah.

Closing Prayer:
God of all beginnings, thank you for choosing me, for giving me the great gift of faith.
Guide me to a better understanding of your Word, and help to strengthen my faith. I am so grateful to you for your many gifts given so lavishly in your generous love and for the fulfillment of your promises through the birth of your son. The profound truth is beyond my understanding but I am filled with hope and peace in your word.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Fifth Day in the Christmas Octave - December 29

Daily Prayer:
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Opening Prayer:
All powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world h as made the darkness vanish. Teach us to proclaim the birth of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,One God, for ever and ever.

Today's Readings:
Daily Meditation:

Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness. 1 John 2

Today we can contemplate Mary and Joseph hearing Simeon's prophesy, including the part where Simeon addresses Mary. He tells her that her Son is a sign that will be contradicted and that a sword would pass through her own heart.

Let's pray today in gratitude to Mary for her parting our salvation story.

Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people,a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel." Simeon, Luke 2

Today's Daily Reflection:
Intercessions:
Because God has been merciful to us and sent his Son to us,the Prince of peace, let us cry out with confidence: Peace to his people on earth. Almighty God, Father of the Lord, Jesus Christ, the Church now celebrates your saving love, graciously receive our praise. From the very beginning you promised us your victory through Christ our Savior, let all be enlightened by the good news.

In praise of your Son whose coming was joyously forseen by Abraham, hoped for by the patriarchs, announced by the prophets and yearned for by the Gentiles, save the whole people of Israel. You wished the birth of your Son to be proclaimed by angelsand to be praised by the apostles, martyrs and faithful of all ages, grant the world that peace which the angels proclaimed.

Closing Prayer:
Lord of light,the darkness has vanished in the worldand I want to joyfully proclaim your presence in my life.I want my life to be like Mary's, a "Yes" to your call to my heart.
Let me always be aware of the darkness in my own heartand I ask for a greater desire to live your love in my life.

I humbly beg for the grace to be aware that your love is the light that guides my lifeand gives me the strength to withstand the swords that will pierce my heart.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.