From the Vespers Responsory set for today, First Vespers of Christmas: ‘O Judah and Jerusalem, be ye not dismayed; tomorrow go ye forth, and Lord, He will be with you. Set yourselves, and stand ye, and ye shall see the salvation of the Lord upon you’.

These words certainly set the tone for today, They speak of stability, recollection, and alertness – these are always needed, but especially at this time. May God bless all your preparations for the Feast, both spiritual and temporal, and may you experience the closeness of the Lord this Christmas.