O God, who make this most sacred season radiant with the splendor of Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we who have known the mysteries of His light on earth, may also delight in His gladness in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 or Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 (The Flight into Egypt and Return) Catholic Gallery+1
(Note: These texts follow the common lectionary used in Singaporean and global Catholic Masses.) Catholic Gallery
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, open our hearts to hear Your Word today. As we remember Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, grant us a deeper friendship with Christ, whom he loved and faithfully followed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast: Saint Stephen, First Martyr
Liturgical Colour: Red (Martyrdom)
Lectionary: 696 Universalis
O God,
who give joy to the world through the Savior’s coming,
grant that we may be found worthy to serve him with minds made pure*
and hearts renewed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
O God, who were pleased that Your Word should take flesh in the poverty of the Virgin’s womb, grant, we pray, that through her intercession we may be ready for the coming in glory of Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray:
Lord our God,
you sent your messenger to prepare the way of your Son.
Grant that we who celebrate his coming may be purified by his example and ready to welcome him with joy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.
O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joy of everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
(This is the standard Collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.) Catholic Culture
Come, Lord Jesus, and help us prepare our hearts for your coming. May your Word today deepen our faith and fill us with hope, that we may welcome you more fully into our lives. Amen.
O God,
who make this holy season shine
with the grace of our Savior’s coming,
grant that we may be watchful in prayer
and open our hearts to your Word,
so that Christ may dwell in us and we may be ready
to greet him when he comes again in glory.
Amen.
O Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry come to you; deliver us from all evil and make us ready – with pure hearts and minds – to celebrate the coming feast of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Liturgical Season: Advent – (O Adonai)
Lectionary: Weekday of Advent (Third Week)
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous branch to David; he shall reign as king and deal wisely…”
This prophecy looks forward to the coming of Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promise to David, bringing justice, peace, and salvation to His people. Catholic Gallery
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
A prayer for the king, symbolizing Christ, that he may govern with righteousness, defend the poor, and bring peace — pointing to the reign of Christ the King. Catholic Gallery
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place… Mary was found with child through the Holy Spirit.“
This account recounts Joseph’s discovery of Mary’s pregnancy and his obedient response to God’s messenger, accepting Mary as his wife and naming the child Jesus — “He saves His people from their sins.” USCCB
Explanation: Jeremiah promises a future king from David’s line with justice and salvation for Israel. Advent draws us toward this fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our righteous King.
Application: In our own lives, we prepare for Christ’s coming by seeking justice, mercy, and peace — reflecting His reign now through our actions of love.
Explanation: The psalm reinforces the theme of Christ’s just and peaceful kingship.
Application: Pray this psalm intentionally as a daily prayer in Advent — asking God to shape your heart with His justice and peace, especially toward the vulnerable and poor.
Explanation: Joseph’s dream and obedience highlight his faith. Even in confusion and uncertainty, he trusts God and acts with righteousness.
Application: Consider where God is calling you to trust Him more deeply. Like Joseph, respond courageously to God’s invitations even when they disrupt your plans.
Here are some parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) that connect with these readings:
Christ the fulfillment of the Davidic promise: CCC 437, 497 — Jesus is the promised descendant of David who reigns forever.
Joseph’s role in salvation history: CCC 532 — The obedience of Jesus and of Mary and Joseph brings about the mystery of the Incarnation.
Justice & peace as fruits of Christ’s reign: CCC 2816 — The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(The CCC references are general Biblical connections, not direct quotations from the readings but show how Scripture ties into Catholic teaching.) catholicstand.com
May the grace of this holy Communion bring us to the joy of Christ’s birth, that we may be found vigilant in watchful prayer and active in love of neighbor.
Amen.
Here’s where you can see the full readings online (text of Scripture and official lectionary format):
📜 Daily Mass Readings (Catholic Gallery): 18 December 2025 — Jeremiah 23:5–8; Psalm 72; Matthew 1:18–25 — https://www.catholicgallery.org/mass-reading/181225/ Catholic Gallery
📖 Gospel (USCCB Lectionary page) — Matthew 1:18–25: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121825.cfm USCCB
🕊️ Catholic.sg Mass Readings page (for daily prayer texts & local Singapore liturgical calendar): https://www.catholic.sg/mass-readings/ catholic.sg
(Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent)