19 Dec
Sat
3rd Week of Advent
Jdg. 13:2-7,24-25a
Ps. 71(70):3-4a,5-6ab,16-17
Lk. 1:5-25
(Ps Wk III)
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During these days of special preparation for Christmas we read several Old Testament stories of the miraculous or unexpected conception of children. These stories, of course, attribute these births to God as a gracious sign of his divine providence and eternal care for the poor and the deprived. To these Old Testament stories of miraculous conceptions we must add the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist and so understand how all these Old Testament stories of miraculous gifts of a child come to a climax in the conception and birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus. We may rightly regard these miracles as a preparation for the most miraculous conception and birth of all, that of Jesus, Son of God, and son of Mary.

A distinct element in the story of the conception of Samson is that the angel of the Lord made a promise to the woman who would become Samson's mother, so that Samson was a fulfilment of a divine promise. Thus, too, Jesus was a child born because of divine promises, the promise of a redeemer which God made to Adam and the promise to Mary: "you shall conceive and bear a son" (Luke 1:21).




Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank you for the promise of a redeemer and the gift of Your Son.




DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the birth of the Redeemer may bring peace and hope to all people of good will.
Elaboration

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