Prophets for Advent
In this book of the Bible is a glorious prediction that reads: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
What is the Book of Isaiah? (cf. Is 9:1-3, 6)
A combination of the Latin words for "to" and "come," this word is defined not only as arrive, come to, but also as develop, set in, and arise.
This well-known saint was thought to have been imprisoned and likely tortured during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian but was released under the rule of Constantine the Great. He may have attended the first Council of Nicaea (325), where he allegedly struck the heretic Arius in the face.
Who is St. Nicholas? (Dec 6)
This Bible figure is represented by a ladder on their Jesse Tree ornament.
Who is Jacob?
This is the day in December upon which begin the O Antiphons.
What is December 17th?
The Hebrew prophets communicated God's will and designs to Israel, having a mission which included preaching (esp. on the Law) as well as foretelling meant to lead the Chosen People back when they strayed, and gradually prepare for this reality.
What is the new kingdom of God?
OR
What is the coming of the Messiah?
This word in Latin means "God with us."
What is Emmanuel?
This saint who battled the Arian heresy is often seen with a beehive and is the patron saint of candlemakers, bee keepers, and bees. For this reason, many light a candle on this feast in his honor because legend holds as a baby he was surrounded by bees but not stung. A drop of honey was left on him, so it was predicted he would be honey-tongued. Another tradition is to make a dish or simple dessert with honey in it such as honey cakes.
Who is St. Ambrose (Dec 7)?
This Bible figure is represented by 12 stars on their ornament.
Who is Abraham?
What is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"?
The Hebrew word "Messiah" means this in English.
What is "anointed"?
This Latin word is the second-person plural present active imperative (command) form of a Latin word used in the day's indroit which is not relevant to the first two weeks of this preparatory season.
What is "Gaudete"?
In this Mexican tradition, two local members of the community portray Joseph and Mary and visit homes, looking for shelter. They are refused shelter until finally being granted entry at the last home, where a celebration takes place.
What is Las Posadas?
King David is often represented by this symbol on a Jess Tree ornament?
What is a harp?
OR
What is a crown?
The O Antiphons give titles for the coming Messiah. Two popular ones are Radix Jesse and Rex Gentium. For full credit, name them both in English.
What are "Root of Jesse" and "King of the Nations"?
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Isaiah are the major prophets of the Old Testament. This aspect of their writing is what makes them "major" instead of "minor."
What is the length of their books?
The Hebrew word "Adonai" means this in English.
What is Lord?
OR
What is Lord of Lords?
This 4th Century martyr of Syracruse is especially beloved in Scandavia. Legend holds that she brought wheat and bread to the poor and also snuck food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs. She is celebrated often by role playing and a procession.
Who is St. Lucy (Dec 13th)?
(aka: Lucia of Syracruse)
This Bible figure could be represented by tongs and a burning ember on their ornament.
Who is Isaiah?
In the Catholic Church, the seven standard O antiphons continue to serve as antiphons (opening and closing phrases) in the vespers (evening prayers) of the Church leading up to Christmas for THIS Marian prayer.
What is the Magnificat?
Numbers 24:17 reads:
"I see him, but not now; I perceive him, but not near. A ______ will come from Jacob, and a _______ will arise from Israel"
The words belonging in the two blanks both begin with the letter "s." Name at least one of the words.
What is star?
OR
What is scepter?
This type of Mass was traditionally celebrated just before dawn in Advent as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass is only lit by candles, representing Mary’s role in bringing the Light of the World into the darkness of the world. Its Latin title comes from the phrase "drop down dew, ye heavens."
What is Rorate Caeli?
The observance of this feast began with a Papal encyclical INEFFABILIS DEUS by Pope Pius IX, when he formally defined this dogma in 1854. The Blessed Mother also privileged Bernadette with this knowledge.
What is the Immaculate Conception? (Dec 8)
P.S. Mary told St. Bernadette "I am the Immaculate Conception" and this phrase was one of the ways that the apparition of Mother Mary at Lourdes, France was authenticated.
This Bible figure is represented by a symbol of a red cord on their ornament.
Who is Rahab?
The meaning of the Latin phrase "Ero cras" is an acrostic formed from first letters of the Latin titles, from last to first, – Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia. (Such acrostics were popular among early medieval writers!)
What is "Tomorrow, I will be [there]"?