December 22
Advent Weekday
On December 22, the Church continues its Advent journey, drawing closer to the great feast of the Nativity of the Lord. This day does not commemorate a specific saint in the universal calendar but stands as one of the final 'late Advent' weekdays, marked with deep anticipation. Characterized by the use of the color violet, the liturgy emphasizes preparation, penance, and longing for Christ's coming. The prayers and readings direct the faithful’s hearts toward the fulfillment of the promises to Israel and the imminent coming of the Savior.
This day also falls within the period of the 'O Antiphons' (December 17–23), profound texts chanted before and after the Magnificat at Vespers, each invoking Christ under a different biblical title. The antiphon for December 22 traditionally calls upon 'O King of all nations,' reflecting deep longing for unity and salvation. This rich scriptural focus encourages the faithful to meditate on Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and as our Redeemer. The tradition and spiritual focus of late Advent, especially these days, help Christians enter into the mystery of the Incarnation with hearts attuned to God’s promise and mercy.
In summary, December 22 is a precious time of spiritual deepening, a day set aside for heightened anticipation and prayer as Christmas approaches. The entire Church is invited to intensify her longing for Christ, focusing on hope, preparation, and the universal desire for the coming of the Savior.
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Questions about Advent Weekday (Novus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
Mass readings
Reading1 S 1, 24-28
In those days,
when Samuel was weaned,
Hannah, his mother, brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh;
the child was still very young.
Hannah had taken with her a three-year-old bull,
a sack of flour, and a skin of wine.
They offered the bull as a sacrifice,
and brought the child to the priest Eli.
Hannah then said to him:
“Listen to me, my lord, I beg you!
As surely as you live,
I am the woman who stood here beside you
to pray to the Lord.
It was for this child that I prayed,
and the Lord gave me what I asked of him.
Now I in turn give him to the Lord, for him to do with as he wills.
He will remain given to the Lord
all the days of his life.”
Then they bowed down before the Lord.
— The word of the Lord.
Canticle1 S 2, 1, 4-5ab, 6-7, 8abcd
My heart exults in the Lord;
my head is lifted high by my God!
Against my enemies, my mouth is opened:
yes, I rejoice in your salvation!
The bow of the mighty is broken,
but the weak are clothed with strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for bread,
but the hungry rest.
The Lord brings death and gives life;
he brings down to Sheol and brings back up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he humbles and he exalts.
He raises the weak from the dust,
he lifts the poor from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and receive a throne of glory.
GospelLc 1, 46-56
At that time,
Mary gave thanks to the Lord
saying:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
He has looked with favor on his humble servant;
from now on all generations will call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me;
holy is his name!
His mercy stretches from age to age
on those who fear him.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he scatters the proud.
He casts down the mighty from their thrones,
and raises up the lowly.
He fills the hungry with good things,
and sends the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering his love
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his descendants forever.”
Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months,
then she returned to her home.
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org