The readings at Mass today explode with anticipation. We have waited patiently during these weeks. Throughout Advent, the daily Mass readings have highlighted various prophecies. They have spoken about the coming of John the Baptist. We have heard about the mountains being made low and feasts set on high places.

These last few days, beginning with December 17, the anticipation has heightened. In the octave before Christmas, the daily Mass Gospels turn to focus on the Infancy Narratives from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This is also the time of the O Antiphons. We should begin to feel a type of crescendo towards Christmas. …

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