"And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him." Luke 2:39-40 (full readings)
Kristi's Reflection: The theme for me this Advent and continuing into the Christmas season is the beauty of waiting. Within the witness of the Holy family, we have an incredible example of how to wait upon the Lord. Mary waited for the Lord to make His plan known to Joseph, Joseph and Mary both waited upon the arrival of Jesus without knowing the time and place, Joseph waited upon the Lord to show him when to return from their flee to Egypt... waiting... and then they go home with the King of Kings to Nazareth, and waited as He "grew and became strong." We cannot avoid waiting in our life. Even after the Savior came to be with us, He still chose to give us a lesson in waiting as He lived a simple life in Nazareth for 30 years. It is Christmas - Jesus is here with us, yet many of the longings in our heart remain. May we draw near to Jesus and learn from the Holy family how to wait with Jesus. It makes a big difference when we realize the one we are waiting with is the One that we most deeply long for! Enjoy this song from Mercy Me: Joseph's Lullaby.
Faith Challenge: Consider the experience of Joseph and Mary during those first few years of Jesus' life. They were with the Savior of the world, yet His salvific action would not occur for a few years. Consider what Joseph and Mary can teach us about waiting with Jesus for the deepest longings of our hearts.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.
Faith Quote: "The infinite distance between God and man is overcome. God has not only bent down, as we read in the Psalms; he has truly "come down", he has come into the world, he has become one of us, in order to draw all of us to himself. This child is truly Emmanuel – God-with-us." Pope Benedict XVI, Christmas Eve Homily 2010
Through Christ our Lord,
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23%pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23%pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa
* Evangelize: Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.
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