GUIDE TO THE READINGS AND PRAYERS

OF THE CHRISTMAS NOVENA

Introduction to the Christmas Novena Tradition

The Philippines boasts of having the longest Christmas celebration in the world. We
get excited over Christmas when the “ber” months arrive, as the airwaves teasingly
play Christmas melodies and the stores decorate and display Christmas wares and
gift items. Television news and variety show programs also start the official
“countdown” starting from the 100th day before Christmas.

The longest and most popular Christmas tradition is not commercial in nature but
religious and deeply Christian, centered on the celebration of the Eucharist. This is
the nine-day novena before Christmas that starts on December 16 and ends on
December 24. Called by various names, Misa de Gallo, Simbang Gabi, or Misa de
Aguinaldo, this practice reflects the churchgoing nature of the Filipinos and their
strong attachment to the Christian faith and culture. The most popular and most
familiar name for the novena is Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi literally means “night/evening worship.” This points to the fact that the
Mass starts either at the predawn darkness between 4:00 and 5:00 A.M. or a little
after dusk, 6:00 P.M. and onwards, as has become the modern schedule, especially
in urban areas where people are most available after school, office, and working
hours. It was originally offered to a mostly farming population by the early Spanish
missionaries. They, through this creative devotion, certainly succeeded in integrating
daily life and occupation with worship and evangelization on the meaning of the
Advent and Christmas seasons.

Misa de Gallo iterally means the “rooster’s Mass.” It is about the time of the rooster’s
crowing to herald the start of a new day that the Mass starts. The Mass is so
scheduled as to allow the farmers in what was a largely agricultural land to head to
the fields after worship. At the that time when there were no alarm clocks or
electricity, the sound of the rooster waking up is all the signal a family needs to rise
up and start the day. During Misa de Gallo, church bells ring at 3:00 or 3:30 A.M. to
beckon people to prepare for Mass, although generally the people are right inside
the church before the bells ring, in order to secure a seat in the usually overflowing
crowd of worshippers.

Misa de Aguinaldo means “Mass of the gift,” that is, a gift for the Christ-Child.
Waking up early or completing the nine-day series of Masses is surely a sacrifice of
love since it requires dedication and discipline to plan one’s day around daily worship
without neglecting the demands of other important tasks.

Some historians trace the beginning of the Simbang Gabi to a Mexican Advent
tradition of a novena of Masses before Christmas. It was later on adapted or
implemented in the Philippines in the early 1600s. Whatever happened to the original
Mexican invention cannot surpass the Filipino innovation and adaptation of this
practice. Simbang Gabi has become the crown of a Filipino’s year-end activities and
the most distinct Filipino contribution to the Christmas spirit throughout the world.

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Until now, there are places where brass bands parade around town while the church
bells ring to wake people up and encourage them to go to church. Outside and
around the church, little stores appear like mushrooms, each with its display of local
delicacies for breakfast or snacks like bibingka (rice flour and egg based cake,
cooked using coals on top and under), puto bumbong (a purple sticky rice delicacy
which is steamed in bamboo tubes, with brown sugar and coconut shavings as
condiments), salabat (hot ginger tea) and tsokolate (thick Spanish cocoa), puto at
dinuguan (rice cake eaten with the local favourite cooked pig’s blood). The lighted
lanterns or parol and Christmas lights on the windows and doors of houses and
buildings add to the charm of walking to church along the still silent, sleepy streets.

Simbang Gabi has become a family tradition, with loved ones of all ages huddling
with each other inside the church in the cool December morning or evening, united in
prayer and one in celebration at a meal at home or somewhere else after the Mass.
This is perhaps how the practice has been handed on through successive
generations, with parents carrying their children to church year after year until the
children, too, develop an excitement for the tradition.

Since it is a novena, this tradition has become even more popular with people who
have special intentions and needs. As in any other novena, people hope that God
will grant a favourable answer to their heart’s request at the completion of the days
of prayer.

In the liturgy of Simbang Gabi, one cannot fail to notice that the prayers point toward
the Christ-Child and his mother, Mary, since in reality this is a novena of the Holy
Infant and his Virgin Mother. The Blessed Virgin Mary, she who first welcomed the
Word in her heart and in her body, is the perfect model for discipleship, and is the
best guide to teach us how to present our hearts to the coming Messiah.

Because of this mother and child theme, the Simbang Gabi is really Christ-centered,
thus celebrated within the Eucharist, which is the memorial of the passion, death,
and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We affirm our faith in the incarnation of the
Son of God. We express our belief in God’s presence in human history and in every
human experience and struggle today. We pray for an increase in hope in today’s
world that ever tempts to despair. We ask God for peace so that our lives may move
forward in a harmonious relationship with God and with one another.

This guide to the readings and prayers of the Christmas novena wishes to add to the
meaning of Simbang Gabi by offering pointers for meditation and prayer on the
scriptural readings on each of the nine days. The days before Christmas provide us
with some of the most evocative, powerful and heart-warming words from the Bible.
More and more Episcopalians (Anglicans) are experiencing Simbang Gabi not as
mere cultural tradition but as source of spiritual nourishment and regeneration. Thus
many people are really looking forward to becoming personally equipped with
inspirational messages that come from faithfully attending the Simbang Gabi.

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 GUIDE TO THE READINGS AND PRAYERS OF THE CHRISTMAS NOVENA

Liturgical Note: On December 16 the Christmas Novena Masses begin (either Missa
de Gallo or the Simbang Gabi). These Masses are to be celebrated nine days before
Christmas, hence “novena” for the perseverance of the nation in the Christian faith.

From December 16 onwards, the liturgical texts of Advent are more directly
concerned with the immediate preparation for the Christmas feast. The mystery of
God’s love, the plan of the mystery (of salvation) hidden for ages in God (Eph. 3:9),
is the foreground. God realized it in the Lord’s ancestors and proximately in the
infancy of St. John the Baptist and in the persons of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St.
Joseph.

The Prayer Book contain propers and formularies for the weekdays from December
16-24 inclusive. During this time commemorations may only be done during the Daily
Office of Morning and Evening Prayers with the proper collect of the saint; at
Evening Prayer one may add the hagiographical lesson. At Mass the Collect of the
Saint may follow after the Collect Proper of the Day (i.e. the Proper for the Christmas
Novena).

The Great “O” Antiphons sung at Vespers may be used more extensively these final
days of Advent (e.g. as verses for the Gospel Acclamation) the Hymn, “O Come, O
Come, Emmanuel,” based on these Antiphons, may fittingly be used at the Eucharist
or Daily Offices, especially during the lighting of the Advent Candles.

At Eucharistic Prayer, the Preface for Advent II shall be used through Christmas Eve.

FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

DECEMBER 16: O SAPIENTA

Antiphon: O Sapienta (Ecclus. 1:1,3.4)

O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reach from one end
of the earth to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us
the way of prudence.

Collect of the Day

Almighty Father, your blessed Son at his first coming among us brought redemption
to the world: Grant that, when he comes again in glory, we may be found ready to
receive him, and enter into his glory, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Gradual: Psalm 72:7, with verses 1,2/3,4/5,6/7,8
Refrain: In that day justice and peace shall flourish.
or Blessed be the King, let his glory fill the earth.

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Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Alleluia: Cf. Ecclesiasticus 1:1,4
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: Come, Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
Teach us to walk in the paths of prudence. Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:1-18

Theme: Christians – Called to be Christ’s Living Witnesses

Core Thought:

“John testified to the Truth.” John the Baptist is known as the precursor of Jesus. He
prepares the way for the coming of the Messiah. He is even declared by Jesus in the
Gospel as a “burning and shining lamp.” This only means that John testifies or bears
witness to Jesus. John makes Jesus known to other people. When Jesus appeared
in the scene, John declared “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of
the world.” Jesus, in turn, acknowledges John’s effort for testifying on his behalf.
Testimony is one of the most important thought in the Gospel passage. John testifies
to the Truth and the Truth is no other than Jesus. The testimony of Jesus is enough
and much greater than John’s. The work which Jesus shall accomplish in obedience
to the Father is his testimony. However, he allowed John to bear witness in his
behalf. Therefore, as Christians, we are called to bear witness to Christ like John as
a burning and shining lamp. To be a witness of Jesus is both a blessing and a grace
from God. However, alongside witnessing are challenges that sometimes hamper
the person’s ability to be a true witness. Selfishness, pride, always seeking attention,
recognition, praises, and the desire to be always at the top are examples of the
challenges that a person faces in becoming a witness of Jesus. Overcoming these
challenges may not be easy and so we turn to the example of John – to be selfless
(like a burning wick in the lamp) in everything we do and pointing (like a shining
lamp) to the right direction. We must light our lamp, not for ourselves but for others
that they may see through us, the light of Jesus, the One to whom they will go.

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: True witnessing

Community Vice: Self-centered
Society Vice: Relativism

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Sapienta (O Wisdom)

O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: Come to
teach us the path of knowledge!

Life today is situated in the midst of choices. there are just so many choices and
decisions to make each day. Decisions, decisions—not just a half dozen, but scores,
even hundreds of them every day. The range of choices we face in daily life seems
to grow exponentially and so does the accompanying stress.

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Choices demand wisdom. Whether we must make personal or global choices, there
is such a great need for wisdom, not mere human but supernatural wisdom. We
need the guidance from on high.

In the Bible, wisdom is a personification of God. In Proverbs, in Ecclesiasticus

(Sirach), in the Wisdom of Solomon, wisdom is portayed as alive and coming forth
from God. We need God’s wisdom not only for our survival but specifically for
guidance in our choices. Wisdom will help us in discerning important matters for our
lives today.

Jesus is the Wisdom of God. Let us invite him as we make decisions so that he can
share with us the gift of prudence in our actions and words. Let us bring to the Lord
those things that need to be decided today with God’s help.

Prayer

Lord, Wisdom of God Most High, teach me to walk in your paths and to open my
heart and home to each and every stranger. Then the heavens will sing for joy and
the earth exult. Our Lord Jesus is coming who takes pity on us in our distress.

SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

DECEMBER 17: O ADONAI

Antiphon: O Adonai (Exod. 3:2; 19:6; 14:21)

O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel, you appeared in the bush to Moses in a
flame of fire, and gave him the law on Sanai: Come and redeem us with an
outstretched arm.

Collect of the Day

Lord our God, by your command the years run their course; to the fulfilment of your
purpose the ages hasten on: Make unwavering our faith and strong our hope that we
may with patience await the promised day of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
the establishment of his dominion over all the world; through the same Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 35

Gradual: Psalm 96, with verses 10,11/12,13
Refrain: The Lord comes to rule the earth;
he will judge the peoples with his truth.
Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-13
Alleluia: Cf. Exodus 14:21
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: Come, Leader of ancient Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
Rescue us with your mighty power. Alleluia.

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Gospel Reading: Mark 13:27-37

Theme: God is surely coming in the most unexpected and unlikely

circumstances of our lives

Core Thought:

God is coming unexpectedly in the midst of the world’s brokenness, in the most
unlikely circumstances of our ordinary lives. The Gospels speak of the coming of the
Son of Man, not just with cosmic signs that we ought to be aware of, but also in the
most sudden and unexpected manner that his coming is a breaking into our life’s
imperfect and unlikely situations, the mess our human lives. Nevertheless, it is
precisely in this on-going messy human history that God once entered in the birth of
the Christ-Child and will surely come again in glory—God wants to be born even in
the mess of our own lives. Let our hearts be open to receive the birth of the Lord into
the imperfect, confused, unlikely, and messy parts of our life.

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Perseverance to rise above our

mediocrity, complacency and failures
Community Vice: Easily discouraged by these failures
Society Vice: Culture of convenience (“bahala na”)

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Adonai (O Lord)

O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: Come to rescue
us with your mighty power!

It is easy to feel uncomfortable with the titles that convey the idea of dominance and
control or that express separation or tension between persons. The title “Lord” is like
this. If there is a lord or master, there must be a servant or someone inferior under
him.

In Jesus, we have a different kind of Lord. He does not cause division, separation, or
domination to emerge. In him the God who is above us now becomes so close to us.
The God who is beyond history is now inserted in all our events and experiences. It
is a great paradox and yet this is the desire of God, to bring people close to his
heart.

There are many lords in people’s lives today, that command people to act. Our lives
are cluttered by material things, emotional baggage, psychological garbage, and
others that enslave and oppress us.

This antiphon reminds us that Christmas is about the true Lord of all, the One whom
Thomas will later on proclaim: My Lord and my God! But he is a Lord who bows
down to reach us in love. Let us allow the Lord Jesus to envelop us in his tight
embrace so that we may be reunited with the Father in the Holy Spirit.

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Prayer

Come, Lord, Leader of ancient Israel! Enable us to keep faith in our human nature,
your creation, our human responsibility. Yet, as we think, reflect, and seek advice,
keep us always open to your wondrous intervention, your Immanuel, God-with-us.

THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

DECEMBER 18: O RADIX JESSE

Antiphon: O Radix Jesse

O Root of Jesse, you stand for an ensign of the people; before you monarchs shall
shut their mouths, and nations shall bow in worship: Come and deliver us do not
delay.

Collect(s) of the Day

Advent IV

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus
Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and
reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

(Optional) Second Collect: O Radix Jesse

God our Father, you sent your blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ to free humanity
from the power of death: May we who remember his birth as Son of Man, rejoice to
welcome him when he comes again in glory, and evermore rejoice in his gift of
eternal life; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-17

Gradual: Psalm 24:7, with verses 1,2/3,4/5,6
Refrain: Lift up your heads, O gates;
and the King of glory shall come in.
Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7
Alleluia: Matthew 1:23
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: A Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,
and his Name shall be called Emmanuel. Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Theme: Living the Law of Mercy

Core Thought:

Modern Psychology states that the fundamental reason why a lot of people today
worry too much about everything is because of fear… of the future, the unknown.

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Knowing that we live in an unpredictable, dangerous, and deadly world, most of us
assume that things might go on the worst situation. We all thirst for certainty so that
we will not worry nor be afraid anymore. Most of us turn to material things which will
never satisfy the deepest longing of our hearts. For the deepest longing of our hearts
is not a material thing but a person, it is Jesus Christ. Therefore, do not be afraid! (as
what the angel told the faithful, humble and obedient servant of God, Joseph, in the
Gospel reading today), Jesus is in charge. Jesus is with us all throughout our lives.

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Faithfulness, humility and obedience

in serving God and family/all people.
Community Vice: Fear, distrust of others, selfishness
Society Vice: Individualism, apathy towards others

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)

O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: Come to save us
without delay!

What a stump of wood good for? It is almost dead, useless, except for chopping and
burning. However, this symbol from the plant kingdom teaches us many things about
hope. Even a stump or a root brings forth a new shoot. Seemingly dead outside,
there is life within!

This Christmastime, it will be good to recall the relationships we thought were dead,
but later on came to surprise us with a surge of new life. Were you reunited with a
long lost friend? was there reconciliation with someone whom you though was
impossible to forgive? Has there been recently a letter, an e-mail, a text message, an
FB comment or message from a person whom you thought no longer cared? These
are all cause for hope because they are like small fresh shoots on the dead brown
stump of Jesse (Jesus’ ancestor and our ancestor in faith).

As Christians, we need to remember that appearance and reality are often different
and so we must keep our hopes high and try to fan it into flame when it is most
challenged. Death and destruction do not have the final say. God will make a way for
us. In Jesus, God’s life has triumphed and will shine luminously forever. Let us pray
for what seems to be dead stumps in our life today and expect the Lord to cause a
bud to sprout and bloom to a flower one day.

Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus, flower of Jesse’s stem, wondrous Child where life seemed dead.
Come, revive my life and my faith in your miraculous Presence. Make me a sign,
your devoted disciple, of how we ought to live totally for you.

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 FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA
DECEMBER 19: O CLAVIS DAVID

Antiphon: O Clavis David (Cf. Isaiah 22:22)

O Key of David, and Scepter of the house of Israel, you open and no one can shut;
you shut and no one can open: Come and bring the captives out of the prison house,
those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

Collect of the Day

God, our Lord and Father, give new courage to your people who trust in you: Grant
that your Son Jesus Christ may come and delay no longer, and by his coming, raise
us to the joy of your kingdom; where with the same your Son Jesus Christ and the
Holy Spirit, you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-end

Gradual: Psalm 80:1-5
Refrain: Restore us, O God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Second Reading: Revelation 22:12-17, 20-21
Alleluia: Cf. Isaiah 22:22
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: Come, Key of David,
opening the gates of God's eternal kingdom:
Free the prisoners of darkness! Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

Theme: Living compassionately—the key to life in God’s Kingdom

Core Thought:

We live in a world today where we feel more and more that God is not answering our
prayers and seemingly having that sense of abandonment, when we see, hear and
feel the world’s suffering and chaos all around us, and most especially and
personally, in the lowest moments of our life, may we not lose hope. God is still at
work and preparing the best for us. God can even make the crooked ways straight.
With God no situation is hopeless. Even in the so-called hopeless cases are
moments where God surprises us with blessings that are beyond our expectation. All
it takes is to see with the eyes of our faith, be open with an entrusting heart, be ready
with a willingly helpful hands so that we can make a change, we can make this world
a better place reflecting life in his Kingdom of love and compassion, we can be God’s
answer to someone’s prayer and for others to be his channels of grace into our lives.

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Faith in God and Loving others.
Community Vice: Losing hope, insensitive to others
Society Vice: Losing the “Sense of God” for others

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Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Clavis David (O Key of David)

O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: Come and free the
prisoners of darkness!

Imagine the agony of losing an important thing in your daily life! Among all the things
easily lost and yet so important to us that we cannot live without is a simple key. If
keys are that important, why do we often lose them? Keys are crucial but they are
very small and so, negligible.

When we misplace them, we suffer much frustration. So much time is wasted looking
for it and our whole day’s timetable of activities is then affected. But when we have
the right key and it works, we have access to important things in our life. The image
of the key is most clearly reflective of the power of Jesus. Jesus is the key to our
liberation. He unlocks, he opens, he releases, by the power of his word and by his
personal Presence.

When Jesus met needy people, did he not unlock something closed and stuck for a
long time in their bodies or spirits? Like the woman bent double for 18 years, was
there not a “clinking sound” as Jesus commanded her to stand erect (see Lk. 13:10-
17)? As Jesus forgave the sinful woman anointing his feet, she must have heard a
“clink” in her heart and her tears flowed. When the lepers were walking away to show
themselves to the priests, surely they heard an interior “clink” again as their bodies
regenerated and became whole. When the demoniac was freed from evil spirits, the
“clink” must have been audible as the demons transferred to a herd of pigs nearby.

As Jesus walked on this earth, rusty locks flung open, shut doors spread out, and
shuttered souls found release.

Jesus is the key to a new order as he brings something different, radical, and unique.
While he opens doors, people can now come out of their shame, pain, fear, and self-
loathing. He ushers them into a path of confidence, peace, and light.

What aspect of your life do you need Jesus to unlock? Be ready to receive a flood of
his blessings!

Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus, Key of David. Open the gates of fear so that we can walk with
faith and willingly accept the surprising turns of your holy will. May our lives reflect
you as the Key to the Kingdom, that we become your instruments for others to
experience the liberation, healing and peace that you bring.

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 FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA
DECEMBER 20: O ORIENS

Antiphon: O Oriens (Cf. Malachi 4:12)

O Dayspring, Brightness of Light eternal, and Sun of Righteousness: Come and

enlighten those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death.

Collect of the Day

O Father, Creator and Redeemer of humankind, you decreed, and your Word
became Man, born of the Virgin Mary: As he humbled himself to share our human
nature, so when he comes in glory, may we be exalted to share his glory; who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-15

Gradual: Psalm 130:4-7
Refrain: My soul waits for the Lord,
more than watchmen for the morning.
Second Reading: Titus 2:1-15
Alleluia: Cf. Psalm 80:3
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: Come, O Radiant Dawn, Light Eternal, Sun of Righteousness:
Show us the light of your countenance
and we shall be saved. Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Theme: Understanding God’s Plan through the “eYes” of our Faith

Core Thought:

We live in a highly fragmented world divided by ideologies and, more recently, by

innovations in technology. People begin to withdraw from others and be engaged in
self-absorption believing that all that matters to them is what makes the world
complete thereby cutting themselves off from the world and everything good beyond
themselves. But God’s news for the world is always good news, but it may be
entirely different from what we personally want. It may be something bigger than
ourselves and may cause fear in us. But we are invited to be like Mary; though small,
young, poor and less influential, but because of her availability to God’s good news
—an invitation for her was given: the role of Mother of God. But despite her fear, she
accepted it as good news. She listened attentively so that she could understand
God’s annunciation. True availability, despite being reduced nowadays to “virtual
existence”, required that we be truly present and open to submit to God’s will in our
lives after the example of Mary. The moment we make ourselves available to God
we start to listen as we open our hearts and see the goodness in God’s
annunciation. Aside from Mary being the Mother of Jesus, our God and Savior, what
is the other good news? That “with God nothing is impossible” and that we are not
alone in this journey but travelling together in this pilgrimage called life. Like Mary

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being available to God, we too can be available to God’s call in being available to
others, leading us to share in their journey, through joys and triumphs, in frustrations
and defeats. We may at times feel awkward and helpless being called to greater
things, things we feel inadequate for, but when we learn to listen to God and being
open and available in saying “yes” to follow in his ways, then nothing is impossible.

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Availability, openness, “Yes” to God.

Community Vice: Busyness, shut-off, self-absorption
Society Vice: Selfish “survival of the fittest”

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Oriens (O Radiant Dawn)

Come, O Radiant Dawn, Light Eternal, Sun of Righteousness: Show us the light of
your countenance and we shall be saved.

When does the day start? For many of us with distinct jobs and varying schedules,
the day starts at different hours, too. It may be the morning rush hour for the office
employee and the factory worker. For the housekeeper, it is when the house is still
dark and the people are still asleep. For the sick, it is when one has to get up and
take some medicines. And for vacationing kids and teenagers, the day starts close
to lunchtime after an extended sleep.

But when does the day really start? It starts at dawn! It’s when the world slowly
wakes up each day. Grandma sweeps the garden for fallen leaves. Mother cooks
early a delicious hot breakfast. The fisherman returns to shore after a night out in the
sea. The farmer treks to his land to tend to plants and livestock. Dawn is a silent
moment but many things start to happen at dawn. Simbang Gabi historically was
only celebrated at dawn.

Zechariah, an old man well into the sunset of his life, feels that something brand-new
and pristine is about to come. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he feels a resurgence of
hope within him. The dawn of God is coming in Jesus, who will be introduced to the
world by John, his new-born son. Jesus will destroy the darkness of sin and death.
Jesus will end the confusion and fear that engulfs many hearts and leads people by
the hand towards the path of peace.

All this will happen because the promise of god is dawning, the prophecies of old are
unravelling, the hidden plan of the Lord from the beginning is starting to be revealed.
At dawn, the darkness and light are tugging at each other. Neither is too dark or too
bright, just the right balance. But soon dark will give way to the vigor of dazzling light.

Let us pray to be like Zechariah who has the sensitive eyes of faith to see, feel, and
know in his heart that love is going to be victorious. It may still be dawn but the day is
fast approaching in Jesus our eternal and divine sunshine!

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Prayer

O Christ, radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice, shine on us,
illumine the dark areas of our life and give warmth to our cold and barren hearts.
Break us free from our slavery to the routine of indifference and selfishness with the
splendour of your freedom as your sons and daughters living victoriously in faith,
hope and love.

SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

DECEMBER 21: O REX GENTIUM

Antiphon: O Rex Gentium (Cf. Haggai 2:7)

O King of nations and their Desire, you are the Cornerstone, who makes us both
one: Come and save the creature whom you fashioned of clay.

Collect(s) of the Day

St. Thomas the Apostle

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in
your Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus
Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your
sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever. Amen.

(Optional) Second Collect: O Rex Gentium

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ will come again to judge the living and the
dead: We pray you to sanctify us wholly, that in the day of his coming we may be
found worthy to dwell with you in glory; where you live and reign with your Son and
the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Habakkuk 2:1-4

Gradual: Psalm 126:6, with verses 1,2/3,4/5,7
Refrain: Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:35 - 11:1
Alleluia: John 20:29
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: Thomas, have you believed because you have seen me?
says the Lord.
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: John 20:24-39

Theme: Behind closed doors: God’s visits cause us joy.

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Core Thought:

All of us have had experienced being visited by our relatives and old friends or by
our neighbors or officemates. We know the feeling. There is happiness and
gladness. Their visit prompts us to bring out what is best in our home. We serve our
best food. We bring out our best utensils. We show them hospitality. It is in this
sharing of our best of everything for others that brings out the joy in every visit no
matter what the challenge nor how small we can afford to offer to our guests. But it is
good to understand that the most important joy is that it can also point us towards
the true joy that comes from our encounter with God. The Risen Lord brings that
incomparable joy as he visited the fear-stricken disciples locked inside the room.
Despite their fear and unbelief as shown by Thomas, Jesus patiently leads them to
greater joy and increase of faith in every encounter with him, bringing peace and joy
in their hearts. This same Risen Lord now invites us to open the doors of our hearts,
let him reign and enable us to say with joyful faith, “my Lord and my God!” in sharing
that peace and joy to others.

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Trust and True Faith in God.
Community Vice: Lacking honest relationship and trust
Society Vice: Gullible to “Fake News”, Doubt/Denial

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Rex Gentium (O King of All Nations)

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: Come and save man, whom you
formed from the dust of the earth!

There are few kings left in the world. Monarchies are not as appreciated as in the
past. Like what we do to the title “Lord,” we are not too accommodating to the idea of
a “King.” We resist the idea of one who reigns over us to control us or force us to do
things we do not want to do. We cringe at the thought of a monopoly of power and
domination by one man or clan.

In the Bible originally, the king was a source of unity. The biblical world was always
at war and so, there needed to be someone who could bring people as one and who
could turn differences into gifts for each other. Today we still need a king who will
unite us amidst our squabbles, divisions, jealousies, and competitions.

When Pilate questioned Jesus about his kingship, he was really asking Jesus about
whose side he was on. Jesus resisted this question because he did not like labels;
he shunned earthly notions of power that divide and subjugate.

Jesus is King but as One who comes as the ransom, the servant, the co-sufferer.
With Jesus, we know that God is for us and he is here as the source of unity not
division, agreement and not control.

Jesus the King seeks to serve and not to dominate, and to draw people, not conquer
them. All of the world’s most vulnerable people can feel at home in his Presence and

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can identify with his life. Let us pray that we will fall under the kingship of Christ, and
thus be united to him and to the people around us.

Prayer

Come, King of all nations, for you, Lord Jesus, are a home for each of us in every
moment of our existence, sorrowful and joyful. You are the source of your Church’s
unity and faith. Save all humankind, for we are your own creation. Come, King of all
nations.

SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

DECEMBER 22: O EMMANUEL

Antiphon: O Emmanuel (Cf. Isaiah 8:8; 33:22)

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Desire of all nations and their Salvation:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.

Collect of the Day

O God you make us glad by the yearly expectation of the birth of your Son Jesus
Christ: Grant that we may so joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, that we may with
sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our Judge; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-14, 10-11

Gradual: Psalm 80:1-5
Refrain: Restore us, O God of hosts;
show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.
Second Reading: Philippians 1:2-11
Alleluia: Cf. Haggai 2:7
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: Come, King of all nations,
source of your Church's unity and faith:
Save all mankind, your own creation! Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:32-40

Theme: Keeping the Lamp of Faith burning brighter

than Christmas lights on the tree

Core Thought:

As the season of Advent ends and Christmas begins, we prepare ourselves by

actively waiting for the coming of the Lord. There is often the tendency to be carried
away by the rush of activities and go with the flow of the holiday season. We may
have already prepared the decorations, the gifts, budget, and the food for the
upcoming Christmas parties. But are we really awake with our lamps (of faith) lit like
those servants waiting for their master to return as read in the Gospel reading? Have

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we really started to prepare our hearts for Christ, who is the very reason why we
celebrate Christmas?

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Faithfulness and Vigilance for God
Community Vice: Lacked patience, misplaced priorities
Society Vice: Complacency and Procrastination

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Emmanuel (God-with-Us)

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the Desire of all nations and their Salvation:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.

We come to the penultimate antiphon, O Emmanuel! God is with us! As we pray

today, we ask the Lord to walk with us. We do not need an abstract God, an angry
God, a distant God. We need a God who wears a human skin, who wears our
humanity underneath his own skin. many things make us afraid. The future threaten
us. We need someone who will promise to be there for us, no matter what happens.

Today, be sensitive to the experience of a loving God. May God the Emmanuel be
the fulfillment of every longing. May he come, not in abrupt or dramatic fashion but in
subtly gentle and lovingly homely ways. When he comes to walk with us in this way,
let us develop alertness to his quiet Presence and be attuned to his silent and hidden
manner of drawing near to us.

Prayer

Come, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Be “God-with-us” in our joys and sorrows. Save us
from rejoicing too much and from weeping too much. Be with us in all moments of
our life, even to our earthly journey’s end.

EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

DECEMBER 23: O VIRGO VIRGINUM

Antiphon: O Virgo virginum (Cf. Isaiah 7:4; Matthew 1:21)

O Virgin of virgins, how shall this be? Never before was there anyone like you, nor
shall there be hereafter. Daughters of Jerusalem, why do you marvel at me? What
you are seeing is a divine mystery.

Collect of the Day

Almighty Father, you have shown to the world the splendour of your glory in the
coming of Christ, born of a Virgin: Grant us so to prepare our hearts and minds that
we may worthily celebrate the coming feast of the God made Man; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5, 10-12

Gradual: Psalm 85:8-13
Refrain: Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:4-13
Alleluia: Matthew 1:23
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: A Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son,
and his Name shall be called Emmanuel. Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

Theme: The Blessed Virgin Mary: Not your ordinary Mother

Core Thought:

On this day we remember and give thanks for the life and witness of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who in her humble obedience, opened
herself to the invitation of God to be the Mother of the Christ-Child. For this reason
the Church honors her with the title of “Theotokos,” the God-bearer or simple the
Mother of God, as well as the model for discipleship par excellence—she was the
first to hear the Word, to accept it, proclaim it, and live it all through her life.

Firstly, we must not think, however, that Mary’s assent to the angel’s offer of divine,
virginal maternity was as spontaneous and ready as it appears in the narrative. More
likely, Mary’s response was the culmination of an entire life of being sensitive and
appreciative of the many visits of the Holy Spirit in her life. these daily affirmations of
her loving surrender to the Father made her offer the definitive “Yes” to the role she
would play in salvation history.

Secondly, the purpose of this Gospel is to clarify the transcendental roots of Jesus,
that is, that Jesus possesses a divine nature. Yes, he is truly human because he was
born of the humble maiden Mary but he is truly God because it was not any man
responsible for his birth but the creative power of the Holy Spirit.

The believer is asked to respond by affirming his faith in both the divinity and
humanity of God’s Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, whose divine origins is manifest in the
words of the angel. Mary precedes us in accepting this mystery with joy in her
obedience and surrender to God. Great things happen to those who have faith.

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Openness to the Good News,

Faith and Obedience to God
Community Vice: Doubtfulness and insincerity
Society Vice: Indecisiveness “commitmentophobia”

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

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Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: O Virgo virginum (O Virgin of virgins)

O Virgin of virgins, how shall this be? Never before was there anyone like you, nor
shall there be hereafter. Daughters of Jerusalem, why do you marvel at me? What
you are seeing is a divine mystery.

We love the Virgin Mary and specially wonder at the event of her dramatic encounter
with God. many times, though we think of Mary as merely placid or passive
participant in the plan of God.

The Gospel, however, depicts a woman of faith, not fear, a woman of decision and
not mere submission. She was troubled but she engaged the angel in a dialogue of
clarification. When she was assured and her doubts answered, she expressed he
belief and the rest was history. There is strength in this woman of the annunciation.
She accepted to be the partner of the Holy Spirit in this crucial moment in God’s plan
of salvation.

Later, this same Mary would join her Son in the first miracle at Cana. She would
follow him as he preached in the villages and communities. She would trace the
drops of blood along the way of the passion. And while the apostles ran for cover,
Mary the Mother of the Lord would be recorded in the Gospel as the faithful and
intrepid woman who stood at the foot of the cross. She would be there, too, in the
gathering of the early Christians while they waited for the Holy Spirit to descend on
the young Church.

Let us reflect on the consistency of Mary’s “Yes,” the strength of her character
revealed to us at the annunciation. It is from there that her faith grew and expanded
towards a life of faithfulness and holiness in the midst of many trials.

Prayer

Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord, I will shout with joy to God my Savior.
This goodness of yours, O Lord, reaches beyond my imagination and exceeds all
wonder. Yet you have chosen me your unworthy servant as you had chosen the
Blessed Virgin Mary to be the Mother of Christ my Lord and Savior. Let the power of
your Word be done unto me as you have promised that I may bear it faithfully in my
heart, bearing fruit to the honor and praise of your holy Name even to my life’s end.

NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS NOVENA

DECEMBER 24: CHRISTUS HODIE

Antiphon: Christus Hodie

Today the Christ is born; today the Savior has appeared; today on earth angels are
singing, archangels rejoicing; today the righteous exult and say, “Glory to God in the
highest, alleluia.”

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Collect of the Day

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus
Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself, who lives and
reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary Readings

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4, 8-16

Gradual: Psalm 89:1, 3-4, 15-16, 26,28
Refrain: Your love, O Lord, for ever will I sing.
Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27
Alleluia: O Oriens
Alleluia, alleluia.
Verse: Come, radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice,
shine on those lost in the darkness of death. Alleluia.
Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56

Theme: Christ is Here! The happiest and holiest Birthday ever!

Core Thought:

On this the last day of Advent and the last day also of simbang gabi or missa de
gallo, we find ourselves in the same position as Mary, who after hearing the Good
News hurries up to visit Zechariah and Elizabeth who were also expecting their own
child (John the Baptist). In that visit, the babe inside the womb of the pregnant
Elizabeth leapt for joy upon the meeting Mary with her greeting, leading to Mary
singing the Magnificat in praise of the wondrous things God has done in realizing his
promises to redeem his people through the birth of the Christ-child. Just as
Zechariah would later on sing of his praise to God (Benedictus) because of his joyful
certainty that the time of fulfillment of the promise of old has finally come. Jesus is
the Dawn from on high bringing light that will forever conquer darkness, and warmth
that dispels the coldness of our hearts. We continue to pray: Come, Lord Jesus!

Values/Vices (taken from) Scripture Value: Being response-able to God and

our Christian responsibility to others
Community Vice: Attitude “I will share if there’s excess”
Society Vice: Individualism, materialism, apathy

Reflection Goal: Make a contrast

Reflection from Today’s O Antiphon: Christus Hodie (Christ is Here)

Today the Christ is born; today the Savior has appeared; today on earth angels are
singing, archangels rejoicing; today the righteous exult and say, “Glory to God in the
highest, alleluia.”

It is not Christmas yet. It’s the last day of Advent. As we wait to welcome with joy the
coming of the Lord as the Dawn from on High, let us look around and try to see if
there are people still left despairing in the dark cold night; people who seem to have

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not heard the Good News that the Dawn of Salvation is near. Just as God is never
outdone of generosity. Our work, our family, our good health, the material blessings,
privileges, and opportunities we have in our life are not given by God solely for our
personal good but are also intended to be shared for the common good or for the
good of others. Let us be like John the Baptist and his father Zechariah the Priest
and his Benedictus, like Mary singing the Magnificat and Elizabeth and her praise for
Mary and the Christ-child in sharing to the people the Good News—Jesus is coming!
Christmas is near. The challenge is for us to bring somebody to see the Dawn of the
New Day. maybe there are people you know who are secretly suffering in darkness
—people who feel unwanted and unloved. Will you be the one to tell them, or better
yet show, that you love them? Make them feel that the Lord is really coming and he
is near. Will you be the one to bring them along to see the break of dawn?

Prayer

On this day is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. Let the heavens be glad and the
earth rejoice. Sing a new song to the Lord. Light shines in darkness. Come, Lord
Jesus, let your Light shine in us and through us, and let your life be made manifest
more fully in our lives. Come, O Christ our Emmanuel—God with us for ever more!

References:

The Word on Fire Bible: The Gospels (NRSV-CE), Brandon Vogt, Bishop Robert Barron (2020)

O Come Emmanuel: Scripture Verses for Advent Worship, William Marshall (1993)

Where is the Child? Encountering Jesus in the Simbang Gabi, Ramil Marcos (2015)

Reflections on the Readings of Simbang Gabi, Society of Divine Word (2019)

Biblical Meditations for Advent & Christmas Season, Carroll Stuhmueller, CP (1980)

The Manila Archdiocesan Homily Guides: Year A (2016, 2019)

A Child is Born to Us: A Biblical Companion for Christmas, Gil Alinsangan, SSP (2018)

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