From Father Carl
Enjoy this reflection about some of our Advent and Christmas songs/hymns/carols and their spiritual origin.
O Come O Come Emmanuel has its roots in the O Antiphons from the Church’s Liturgy of Hours Evening Prayer – December 17 – 23. Learn more about the Liturgy of Hours here: https://universalis.com/index-detail.htm and https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgy-of-the-hours. Learn more about the O Antiphons here: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/the-o-antiphons-of-advent
A Voice Cries Out is based on Isaiah 40:1-11
Patience, People is based on James 5:7-9,11
Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming is based on Isaiah 11:1
Joy to the World is based on Psalm 98:4-9
We Three Kings is based on Matt 2:1-11
As we listen to and sing these songs/hymns/carols they remind us of how creative the composers were to provide such enjoyable prayer. We can allow our hearts to be lifted in prayer and song giving God glory for Jesus just like the angels of Bethlehem. A thank you to all music ministers who use their God given gifts and talents to give God glory and lead us in enjoyable sung prayer.
Merry Christmas everyone. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time, talent and treasure to ensure a beautiful Christmas experience of beauty and praise to God.
We/I are only ever a phone call away to assist you, 215-836-2828. Be assured of our prayers and support.
St. Genevieve pray for us.
God bless,
Carl
(Reverend) Carl Janicki
A Glance at the Daily Mass Readings
As we listen to the readings this week leading up to Christmas it is as though each day we turn up the volume of anticipation and joy. As the responsorial song for December 24 Mass in the Morning goes: “For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” We can remember this as we sing our favorite Christmas Carol.
~A Special Thank You~
We want to thank all those who worked to provide a beautiful environment for Christmas this year at St. Genevieve. Your commitment and dedication to our parish community is always appreciated. A special thanks to the pastoral team, ministry coordinators, decorators, lectors, choir and musicians, ushers, Knights of Columbus, the many volunteers and more. We wish a Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.