"THE BEST LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN" - One Bread, One Body, 12/23/2007

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Sunday, December 23, 2007, Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Psalm 24, Matthew 1:18-24
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122307.shtml

"THE BEST LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN"

"When Joseph awoke he did as the angel of the Lord had directed
him." —Matthew 1:24

Many of you have Christmas planned. You're going to go to certain parties,
see certain family members and friends, and give specific presents. You
expect to receive a few presents yourself along with some Christmas
goodies. The Christmas you have planned is about the same as last year's
Christmas, with a few minor variations.

What if Jesus decided to change your Christmas plans dramatically? Would
you let Him be Lord of your Christmas? Ahaz had plans about how to avoid
destruction by the Assyrians. Just when Ahaz had his plans all set, Isaiah
told Ahaz to forget his plans and trust in God alone. The Lord even
promised a dramatic sign to prove Isaiah's message (Is 7:11). Ahaz refused
to ask for the sign, would not even consider changing his plans, and was
destroyed by the Assyrians.

Joseph planned to quietly divorce Mary because she was pregnant and the
baby was not his (Mt 1:19). An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and
told him to change his plans. He changed his plans and became the foster
father of Jesus, the husband of Mary, and head of the Holy Family.

The best Christmases are not when we get our way, but when we change our
plans so that Jesus gets His way.

Prayer: Father, ruin any plans of mine that are not Yours.

Promise: "The virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name
Him Immanuel." —Is 7:14

Praise: "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of
all people, come and set us free, Lord and God."

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July
30, 2007

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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