December 18

Advent weekday

From December 17 the Advent liturgy turns to the immediate preparation for Christmas, with the great “O Antiphons” at Evening Prayer.

Readings of the day

Joyful Mysteries

Third Mystery: The Nativity

In Advent, the Joyful Mysteries are a natural companion any day.

“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.”Luke 2:7

In Bethlehem the Son of God is born in poverty. Angels announce the good news to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks, and they come in haste to adore Him.

Fruit of the mystery: Poverty of spirit

“O Adonai” — the O Antiphon for December 18

O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and redeem us with outstretched arm.

Roman Breviary, Magnificat antiphon (translated for this app)

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A notification each morning with the day’s mysteries, a mystery to meditate on with its scripture, and a short prayer. Free, no account.

This day’s five mysteries (Joyful Mysteries)

The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Nativity
The Presentation
The Finding in the Temple

Coming up

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)Sat, Dec 25 · Solemnity
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and JosephSun, Dec 26 · Feast
Saint John, Apostle and EvangelistMon, Dec 27 · Feast
The Holy Innocents, MartyrsTue, Dec 28 · Feast

✝ Pray the full Rosary

Liturgical calendar for the dioceses of the USA (General Roman Calendar and U.S. proper), checked against the USCCB liturgical calendar. Readings: citations from the U.S. Lectionary for Mass, text from the Douay-Rheims Bible (public domain).

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