O Root of Jesse

Hamas has not extended the Gaza ceasefire, and all Israel is prepared for more violence. Not that the ceasefire was a success anyway .... Gaza had been firing rockets into Israel the past month. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728241255&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull Next week is the Jewish feast of Hanukkah, so let's hope it'll pass peacefully. Same goes for Christmas.

The mock exercise by the Israeli Defense Force went wrong and some soldiers got hurt. It's the biggest exercise - looks like they're ready for bigtime war here. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1228728251259&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Today's antiphon is "O Root of Jesse"
O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;
before whom kings will shut their mouths,
whom the nations will implore:
Come to deliver us, and do not now delay.

This antiphon summarises the prophecies of Isaiah 11,1,10 and 52:15. It reminds us that the promised Messiah from the House of Jesse will come to rule over all; not through power and destruction but through the Passion on the Cross. In Advent we await His rule .... are you ready to accept his dominion over your life?

Now - my Christmas present to you - a lovely song "Mary did you know?" sung by Donny Osmond. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii9JvTyeL1Y&feature=related

And the lyrics:
That your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new;
the child that you delivered will soon deliver you?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God!
Oh Mary did you know? Oh Mary did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb.
Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is Heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping child you're holding is the great "I Am"!