O Antiphons

Emmanuel, God-with-us, come and save your people!

In this Advent season, the Church invites us to reflect on Christ’s birth and to prepare ourselves, in watchfulness and prayer, for his second coming. Advent is thus a time of joyful expectation that our hope, and indeed the hopes of all humanity, will find fulfilment in the peace and salvation which only God can give. “Waiting in joyful hope” for the Lord’s coming also means preparing his way, and welcoming him as the incarnate Son of God, the Truth which gives meaning to every human life. How important it is, then, to proclaim this mystery in all its saving power: the Son of Mary, born in Bethlehem, is the Light which illumines our life, the Way that leads to human fulfilment. The Good News of our salvation in Christ must be made known to a world which longs for this message of reconciliation, solidarity and hope. May this Christmas be for everyone a celebration of peace and joy: joy at the birth of the Prince of Peace. Together with Mary and Joseph, let us contemplate the new-born Child lying in the manger. Through the prayers of the Virgin Mother, may we grow in the knowledge and love of Christ the Saviour. A happy Christmas to you and your families~ Pope Benedict, in general audience