We thank the Lord for preserving our lives to the last month of the year 2024. The month of December is a month of many sentiments: hope, expectation, joy and celebration. During the month we have celebrations such as the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Birth of our Lord at Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth. The month is one of retrospection, stock-taking, self-evaluation and thanksgiving to God.
The season of Christmas begins with the First Vespers (Evening Prayer) of Christmas on December 24, and ends on the Sunday after Epiphany. Other feast days and memorials in this month are: St. Francis Xavier (December 3), St. Ambrose (December 7), Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12), St. Lucy (December 13), St. John of the Cross (December 14), St. Stephen (December 26), St. John, Apostle (December 27), Holy Innocents (December 28), St. Thomas Becket (December 29), St. Sylvester (December 31).
The Season of Advent
The liturgical colour for the Season of Advent is purple. It paints a spiritual portrait of hope and expectation, of longing and waiting, of conversion and penance in preparation for Christmas. Advent marks the beginning of a new Liturgical Year and serves as another opportunity to renew ourselves spiritually. Let us therefore, avail ourselves of the opportunity that Advent provides to renew our relationship with God: Do penance, works of charity and carry out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, so that we can reap the fruits of the Lord’s coming, both at Christmas and at the end of time.
Pope’s Intention for December 2024
For Pilgrims of Hope: We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthens our faith, helping us to recognise the risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.
Archbishop’s Intention for December 2024
Gratitude to God: We thank God for His blessings throughout this year. May He accept our praise and thanksgiving, and be with us till the end of the year.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins is the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
