During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. This weekend Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. St. John’s children help us prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death by presenting the full Christmas story in their pageant.
