24th December

As December wanes, we enter into the final and most profound phase of Advent, the days from December 17th to 24th. During this special week, we intensify our spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus. The Church, in her wisdom, has designated these days as privileged ferials, putting them in a category all their own within the Liturgical Calendar.

Unlike the first part of Advent, when we might celebrate various saints' feasts and memorials, now the liturgy is fully steeped in the imminence of Christ’s nativity. The scripture readings and prayers at Mass shift to reveal greater detail about the coming of the Messiah, the prophecies that foretell His birth, and the events leading directly to the manger.

For example, before December 17th, we might celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th, an optional memorial. However, from the 17th onwards, everything in the liturgy hones in on the unfolding narrative of the nativity. To show their priority, you’ll notice in Liturgical, “Celebrations” like, “17th December”. This is simply a placeholder, indicating the importance of the date, and prevents any memorials/commemorations from appearing as more important in ranking.

It’s a week rich with tradition and depth, pulling us closer, day by day, to Bethlehem. In this carefully crafted liturgical rhythm, we travel the final leg of our Advent journey, heartened and full of eagerness to welcome the newborn King.