ADVENT THREE

On those who dwelt in a land of gloom a light has shown

O come, let us walk in the light of the Lord

Come Lord, do not delay; free your people from their sinfulness

Blessed are you, O virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the Son of Justice, Christ our Lord

St. Lucy

St. Lucy, born in Syracuse in Sicily, was a virgin martyr in the early years of the Church. She is the patron saint of those with vision problems because she was blinded by her persecutors before being executed for her fidelity to Christ.

Her name "Lucy" comes from "Lux," which means "light." For this reason she is associated with festivals of light held during the longer nights of winter, especially in northern climates. Therefore there is a natural connection between her feast and that of Christmas, which brings us the Light of the World who dispels all darkness.

Sun of Justice, splendor of eternal light, come shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Lady of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe, mystical rose, make intercessions for holy church, protect the sovereign pontiff, help all those who invoke thee in their necessities, and since thou art the ever Virgin Mary and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from thy most holy Son the grace of keeping our faith, sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life, burning charity and the precious gift of final perseverance, Amen.

"O" Antiphons

The "O" Antiphons are invocations of Christ, phrased in Old Testament images of God's continual reaching out to mankind in love and mercy, culminating in His coming to dwell among us in person.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

	1.	O COME, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
	2.	O come, thou Wisdom from on high, Who orderest all things mightly; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go. Refrain
	3.	O come, O come, thou Lord of might Who to thy tribes on Sinai's height In ancient times didst give the law, In cloud, and majesty, and awe. Refrain
	4.	O come, thou Rod of Jesse's stem, From every foe deliver them That trust thy mighty power to save, And give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain
	5.	O come, thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Refrain
	6.	O come, thou Day-spring from on high, and cheer us by thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadow put to flight. Refrain
	7.	O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Bid thou our sad divisions cease, And be thyself our King of Peace. Refrain Amen.