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Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent (from “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come to”) is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the Church’s earliest days, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to return. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the complete joy of Christmas.
In the final days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, we focus on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord at Christmas. In particular, the “O” Antiphons are sung during this period and have been by the Church since at least the eighth century. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming of Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes but of present ones as well.
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Understanding the Ember Days: Seasons of Gratitude, Penance, and Renewal
The Ember Days are ancient observances in the Church’s liturgical life—three days of prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving that occur four times a year, marking the changing of the seasons. Observed on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, these days fall after Ash Wednesday, Pentecost (Whitsunday), September 14 (the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), and December 13 (the feast of St. Lucy). Together, these quarterly observances invite the faithful to sanctify the natural rhythms of the year by turning to God with gratitude, repentance, and renewed spiritual purpose.Origins and Significance
The roots of Ember Days extend deep into the early Church. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday were already marked as days of special devotion by the second century.- Wednesday recalled the betrayal of Christ.
- Friday commemorated His Passion.
- Saturday gradually became a continuation of Friday’s penitential spirit and a day of preparation for the Lord’s Day.
Over time, Ember Days also became closely connected with the Church’s prayer for vocations. Since the pontificate of Pope Gelasius I in the fifth century, Ember Saturdays were permitted as customary days for the ordination of deacons and priests. Thus, the faithful were invited not only to pray for the harvest of the earth but also for the spiritual harvest of laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.Prayers for the Ember Days
The Church has handed down a rich tradition of prayer associated with these holy observances. These prayers gather the faithful into thanksgiving, repentance, and intercession for the needs of the world and the Church.General Ember Day Prayer
Antiphon:
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He has done for you.V. Lord, you have been our refuge.
R. From generation to generation.Let us pray:
Almighty God, we ask you to grant that as we faithfully observe these holy days each year, we may be pleasing to you in both body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.In Honor of Christ’s Betrayal and Passion
A traditional meditation on the sufferings of Christ, this prayer invites the faithful to contemplate the mysteries remembered especially on the Ember Wednesday and Friday observances:O God, for the redemption of the world You chose to be born, to be circumcised, to be rejected by Your own people, and to be betrayed by Judas with a kiss. You were bound in chains, led like an innocent lamb to sacrifice, and brought before Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and Herod in shame. You were accused by false witnesses, scourged, struck, mocked, spat upon, crowned with thorns, struck with a reed, blindfolded, stripped of Your garments, nailed to the Cross, and lifted up to die. You were counted among thieves, given gall and vinegar to drink, and pierced with a lance.
By these most sacred sufferings - which I, though unworthy, now recall - and by Your holy Cross and Death, deliver me, Lord, from the pains of hell and lead me to the place where You brought the repentant thief who was crucified beside You. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be are traditionally prayed five times.
Prayer for God’s Blessing on Our Labors
In keeping with the Ember Days’ connection to the harvest and the work of human hands:
O Lord, look kindly upon your servants and upon the work of their hands. You who give food to every creature, bless and preserve the fruits of the earth, so that the poor may be filled with good things and all may praise the glory of your generosity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.For Vocations to the Priesthood
Antiphon:
Why do you stand here idle all day? Go into my vineyard.
V. Ask the Lord of the harvest.
R. That He send laborers into His vineyard.
Let us pray:
God, You do not desire the death of sinners but that they turn back to You and live. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, grant your Church faithful laborers—co-workers with Christ—who will give themselves generously for the salvation of souls. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.A Tradition for Today
Though ancient in origin, the Ember Days remain a meaningful invitation for modern Catholics. They call us to recognize God’s goodness in creation, to purify our hearts through prayer and penance, and to intercede for the Church’s needs—especially for holy priests.
As the seasons turn, these days remind us that every harvest, every grace, and every vocation is a gift from God—one to be received with humility, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the Gospel.
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Adopt A Family
Deacon Dale | [email protected]
Many inner-city families are looking at sparse or no Christmas celebrations due to severe poverty. Let’s adopt these families so they may enjoy a proper Christmas celebration. The Adopt-A-Family program matches you with a family in need.
Deadline is December 8th.
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Advent Giving Tree
located in the back of the church
Deacon Jim & Didi Egnatuk | 310-990-7311
For 42 years, the Giving Tree has been a cherished tradition at St. Lawrence Martyr, sharing hope and joy with families in need, seniors, and those without homes.- Take an ornament from the tree, buy the gift suggested, and attach the ornament to the gift.
- Join us at all the Masses on December 13/14, and bring your gift to the altar during the offertory procession.
- If you are unable to attend Mass that weekend, please return your gift - with the ornament attached - to the Pastoral Center by December 14
This program supports:- Del Amo Convalescent Hospital
- F.A.I.T.H. Ministry - C.A.S.T. (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking)
- Missionaries of Charity Sisters' Shelter for Homeless Pregnant Women and their babies
- Presentation Sisters Learning Center in Watts
- Saints Peter & Paul Poverty Program
- Saturday Street Ministry to L.A. Homeless
- STAR Home for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Madison Norquist | [email protected]
Our SLM Teens and their families will be busy wrapping gifts for the Giving Tree in December and need wrapping paper! You may drop off any wrapping paper donations at the parish office by Wednesday, December 10th. Thank you for your support.
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