The age old mystery was revealed to all nations in the
Scriptures and preaching of Christ. This reading constitutes the closing words of
the book of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, “Now to him…be glory…” The passage
is appropriate for this week because of Paul reference to the disclosure of the
mystery kept secret for ages. The revelation is the coming of Christ. This was forecast
and promised by the prophets. This Gospel of revelation is now shared with all
nations.
The child born in a manger in Bethlehem was none other
than the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Because “The word became flesh,” Advent as the time of preparation for the
Messiah, makes sense. This holy child is “very God of very God.” In him God
invaded human history. He was the Christ-event, the Word-event. If this is not true,
then there is no meaning or message to Advent.[2]
As we get closer to the time of celebrating Christ’s
coming we prepare earnestly in prayer. The following prayers correspond with
the words of the great Advent hymn, “O
Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Who ord’rest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge ho
And teach us in the way to go
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel
O Wisdom, Proceeding
from the mouth of the Most High, pervading and permeating all creation, mightily
ordering all things; come and teach us the way of prudence.[3]
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