closing Advent, expecting Christmas

So Advent will end very soon and Christmas is just around the corner. I have not given Advent that much thought actually, until today when I saw a twit from a friend (bye Advent, hello Christmas), and it just hit me .....! Surprise surprise, time is running out: between job, cursing over those earsplitting firecrackers and blaspheming over the rascals who lit them every night outside, choir practice, remedy-ing myself over those 90s songs, emails, shop (what's to shop really?), and practically late night sleeps every other night, hello, I totally lost the whole point of Advent (and eventually will: Christmas)...!

But better late than nothing..., so the next 36 hours or so I hope I can make amend, while chanting in my mind this favorite Advent carol: Veni, Veni Emmanuel! This Latin carol is based on the ancient "O" antiphons of the Roman breviary that dates back to the 8th century. I'll keep this in mind for next Advent: the antiphons actually extend over a one week period which finishes on December 24. It kinda reminds me of Simbang Gabi, hemmm....? Ah, and another surprise: the song actually contains a hidden anagram! Details here - from Gaudium Mundo.

Veni, veni Emmanuel!
Captivum solve Israel,
qui gemit in exsilio,
privatus Dei Filio.
Gaude, gaude; Emmanuel
nascetur pro te, Israel.

Happy Advent!

Yes, it is still Advent, there is still time you know! :)