1 John 2:12-17, Psalm 96, Luke 2:36-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/123008.shtml
CHRISTMAS OR XMAS?
"Bring gifts, and enter His courts; worship the Lord." —Psalm 96:8-9
We can have two kinds of Christmases — one real and the other fake. Anna
had a real Christmas. This eighty-four year old widow "was constantly in
the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer" (Lk 2:37).
"She gave thanks to God and talked about the Child" (Lk 2:38). Anna met
and loved Christ. Her Christmas and life were Christ-centered.
The fake Christmas is described as "carnal allurements, enticements for
the eye, the life of empty show" (1 Jn 2:16). This fake Christmas passes
away. It leaves its victims self-centered, empty, and unprepared to deal
with the demands of life and the new year. This fake Christmas prevents us
from experiencing God the Father's love (1 Jn 2:15). It leaves us
spiritually bankrupt of love.
What if you've been deceived into celebrating the fake Christmas? What if
you've still not decided which Christmas you'll celebrate? You can repent
now. The Lord has called you to read this for that very reason. You don't
have to let the devil rob you of Christmas. There are still thirteen more
days remaining in the Christmas season in which you can meet and love
Jesus. You can live for Him. You can have a real Christmas.
Prayer: Father, may I "have no love for the world, nor the things that the
world affords" (1 Jn 2:15).
Promise: "The man who does God's will endures forever." —1 Jn 2:17
Praise: At age 99, Mary still lives a Christ-centered life by attending
daily Mass at her nursing home.
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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, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 17, 2008
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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