THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 18, 2025 |
CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | Day 3 | Pray the Christmas Novena for 9 consecutive days, from Tuesday, December 16th. This novena is prayed in conjunction with the “O Antiphons,” of Advent | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/christmas-novena-december-16-24/
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 18, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GATIAN OF TOURS, BISHOP AND SAINT WINEBALD, PRIEST | DECEMBER 18TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Gatian of Tours, and Saint Winebald | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-18th/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 18, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy”| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-december-18-2025/
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
SAINT ANDREW’S CHRISTMAS NOVENA: [The Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena prayer below is traditionally prayed 15 times a day from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve] | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-dayfeast-day-november-30th/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, Thursday of the Third Week of Advent, the Church continues her Advent journey as we draw ever closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Scriptures invite us to contemplate God’s promise of a righteous Savior and the quiet obedience through which that promise is fulfilled. As we reflect today, we are called to trust in God’s faithfulness, to welcome His justice and peace, and to prepare our hearts to receive Emmanuel—God with us.
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of December into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
Advent is the sacred four-week ŕ Year, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope to His Second Coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” reminding us that this season is marked by both joyful expectation and spiritual readiness. Traditionally, Advent is represented by the wreath and its four candles symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us week by week as we reflect on the unfolding mystery of our salvation.
As we enter this holy season, the Church calls us to step back from the noise and hurry that often fill this time of year. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a grace-filled invitation to renew our relationship with God, deepen our prayer life, and open our hearts to the transforming light of Christ. Through Scripture, quiet reflection, and acts of charity, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to make room for the Lord who desires to dwell within us. This season also reconnects us with the longings of God’s people throughout history, those who waited in hope for the Messiah and trusted in God’s promises even in times of darkness.
As we journey through these weeks, may Advent help us rediscover what truly matters: the gift of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. May it inspire us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness, simplicity, and gratitude, allowing Christ’s light to shine through our words and actions. And as we prepare to celebrate His birth, may our hearts be renewed with the hope that He who came once in humility will come again in glory.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, during this season of Advent, open our hearts to Your presence and fill us with the hope, peace, joy, and love that only You can give. Teach us to wait for You with faith, to prepare for You with sincerity, and to welcome You with humility and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps and renew our spirits as we journey toward Christmas. Amen 🙏🏾
ADVENT PRAYER – THIRD WEEK PRAYER: The joyful Sunday in Advent (known as “Gaudete”) is represented by rose (or pink) instead of the penitential purple color. Each night during the third week the mother of the family lights the pink, as well as the two previously burned purple candles, after the following prayer has been said.
LEADER: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen 🙏🏾
(The three candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the third week.)
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Third Week of Advent | December 18, 2025
Reading 1: Jeremiah 23:5–8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1–2, 12–13, 18–19
Gospel: Matthew 1:18–25
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 1:18–25
“She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.”
Today’s Gospel draws our attention to Saint Joseph, a quiet but powerful figure in the mystery of Christ’s coming. Faced with a situation he could not fully understand, Joseph chose compassion over judgment and mercy over public shame. His righteousness was not rooted in strict legalism but in love, humility, and trust in God. When God revealed His will through the angel, Joseph responded without hesitation. His obedience allowed God’s plan of salvation to unfold through him, even though it demanded sacrifice, silence, and complete trust.
Joseph’s role in the infancy narrative reminds us that God often works through hidden faithfulness rather than public recognition. He does not speak a single word in the Gospel, yet his actions speak profoundly. By accepting Mary and naming the child Jesus, Joseph embraced his mission as guardian of the Redeemer. Advent invites us to imitate Joseph’s trust, to listen attentively to God’s voice and to act with courage, even when the path ahead is unclear.
The First Reading from the prophet Jeremiah proclaims a message of hope to a people weary from exile and disappointment. God promises to raise up a righteous shoot from the line of David, a king who will reign wisely and bring justice and security to the land. This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, born of the house of David. While earthly kingdoms rise and fall, God’s promise of salvation remains firm. Advent reassures us that God does not abandon His people, even in moments of loss, displacement, or uncertainty.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this promise with a vision of a compassionate king who rescues the poor, saves the afflicted, and fills the earth with God’s glory. This psalm points to the reign of Christ, whose kingship is marked not by domination but by mercy and justice. As we pray these words, we are reminded that Christ comes to restore dignity to the lowly and hope to those who feel forgotten.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to examine our own response to God’s call. Like Joseph, do we trust God when His plans disrupt our expectations? Are we willing to obey even when we do not have all the answers? Advent calls us to a faith that listens, trusts, and acts. God is with us—Emmanuel—working quietly within our lives, guiding us toward His purpose. As we draw nearer to Christmas, today’s Word assures us that God’s promises are unfolding, often in silence, patience, and faithful obedience. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may this Advent season deepen our trust in God’s presence, strengthen our willingness to say “yes” to His will, and prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus, the Savior who comes to dwell among us. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You revealed Your saving plan through the obedience and faith of Saint Joseph. Grant us the grace to trust You when Your ways are beyond our understanding. Help us to listen attentively to Your voice and to respond with humility and courage. As we prepare for the coming of Your Son, strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and teach us to live as faithful servants of Your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT GATIAN OF TOURS, BISHOP; AND SAINT WINEBALD, PRIEST – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 18TH: Today, the Church commemorates the Memorial of Saint Gatian of Tours, Bishop, and Saint Winebald, Priest—two courageous missionaries whose lives were marked by perseverance, faith, and zeal for the Gospel. Though separated by centuries, both saints devoted themselves entirely to spreading Christ’s light in lands shaped by paganism and hardship. As we continue our Advent journey, their witness reminds us that God calls His servants to labor faithfully, even when the fruits are slow to appear. Through their intercession, may we remain steadfast in hope and bold in faith as we prepare for the coming of Christ. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 18 https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Gatian of Tours, and Saint Winebald | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-18th/)
SAINT GATIAN OF TOURS, BISHOP: Saint Gatian, also known as Gatianus, was one of the “Seven Apostles of Gaul” sent from Rome in the third century to evangelize France. As the first Bishop of Tours, he labored tirelessly amid persecution, idolatry, and opposition, preaching the Gospel with patience and courage. Often forced into hiding, he continued to celebrate the sacred mysteries and gradually won many converts through his perseverance, charity, and miracles. After nearly fifty years of missionary service, Saint Gatian died peacefully, having laid the foundation for Christianity in Tours. He remains the patron saint of the Archdiocese and city of Tours.
PRAYER: Saint Gatian, faithful shepherd and tireless missionary, pray for us, that we may persevere in faith and courageously bear witness to Christ in every circumstance. Amen. 🙏🏾
SAINT WINEBALD, PRIEST: Saint Winebald (701–761) was born into a deeply holy family in England and later became a missionary priest in Europe. After years of pilgrimage and formation, he joined his uncle, Saint Boniface, in evangelizing Germany and neighboring regions. As a Benedictine monk and priest, he helped establish monasteries and strengthen the Christian faith across much of Europe. His life of prayer, discipline, and missionary zeal bore lasting fruit, and his tomb became a place of pilgrimage after his death.
PRAYER: Saint Winebald, devoted servant of Christ and fearless missionary, pray for us, that we may grow in holiness and faithfully proclaim the Gospel through our lives. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Gatian of Tours, and Saint Winebald ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
SAINT ANDREW PRAYER: St. Andrew Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen”🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.
This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.
In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: Trusting in the promise of God who raises up a righteous Savior and remains faithful to His people in every age, we lift our hearts in prayer. We pray for the Church, that like Saint Gatian and Saint Winebald, her pastors, missionaries, and faithful may proclaim Christ with courage, perseverance, and hope, even amid hardship and opposition. We pray for families, especially those facing uncertainty, fear, or silent struggles, that like Saint Joseph, they may trust God’s guidance and find strength in obedience and faith. We pray for nations and leaders, that justice, peace, and compassion may flourish through wise and righteous governance. We remember the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, and the forgotten, that they may experience the saving mercy of Christ, our justice and peace. As we draw nearer to the celebration of Christ’s birth, may our hearts be prepared to welcome Emmanuel—God with us—with renewed faith, humility, and love.
LET US PRAY:
My trustworthy Lord, You have revealed to us all Truth as is given to us through the Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Church. When my imagination leads me astray into obsessive thinking and worrying, please speak to me and help me to hear Your voice. May every decision I make and action I take be in accord with Your Truth. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Lord God, You are faithful to Your promises and never abandon Your people. Through the intercession of Saint Gatian of Tours and Saint Winebald, grant us steadfast faith, missionary zeal, and hearts attentive to Your will. Like Saint Joseph, help us to trust You even when the path is unclear, and to act with courage, righteousness, and love. As we await the coming of Your Son, prepare our hearts to receive Him, that His justice may reign in our lives and His peace dwell within our world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Gatian of Tours, and Saint Winebald ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and on this Thursday of the Third Week of Advent, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we begin the month of December, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. In this sacred season of hopeful expectation, may our Advent journey be filled with light, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ, our long-awaited Savior, walks with us always. Alleluia! May God grant journey mercies to all those traveling this week. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Thursday, a fruitful season of Advent, a fulfilling week ahead and a peaceful month of December 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/