Catholics in many cultures have prayed the Christmas Novena (nine consecutive days of prayer), from December 16-24. It is a devotion well worth reviving, particularly in young families, for it focuses attention intensely on our expectation of the Coming King, and helps to prepare us spiritually to receive him into our hearts. The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (on theVatican web site) comments on the background of the Christmas Novena, and suggests the use of the "O Antiphons" (see below) in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, at Vespers: "103. The Christmas novena began as...
