Isaiah 41:13-20, Psalm 145:1, 9-13, Matthew 11:11-15
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/121009.shtml
CHRISTMAS IN THE DESERT
"I will set in the wasteland the cypress, together with the plane tree and
the pine." —Isaiah 41:19
Isaiah refers to the traditional Christmas tree, the pine tree. In Isaiah,
this is not an artificial tree, or even a cut tree. It is live. This pine
tree is not covered with Christmas lights to decorate a living room or
front lawn. This Christmas tree is planted in a desert (Is 41:19).
In such an environment, it is impossible for the pine tree to exist, but
by God's almighty power it does. In fact, a forest of trees thrives in
this desert. The cedar, acacia, myrtle, olive, cypress, and plane tree can
all live in this desert because God has miraculously turned the desert
into a garden paradise (Is 41:18-19). The pine tree and other trees
flourishing in what was formerly a desert is a sign of the wonder-working
power of God.
When you look at your Christmas tree, see it as more than ornamentation.
See your tree as a reminder of a Christmas miracle. The Lord wants to do
something miraculous in the deserts of your life. Is your prayer-life dry
as dust? Do you feel deserted by friends and family? In what area of your
life have you not borne fruit? The desert is the place for the miracle of
Christmas.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for suffering desertion on Calvary so as to
change my deserts into paradise.
Promise: "I solemnly assure you, history has not known a man born of woman
greater than John the Baptizer. Yet the least born into the kingdom of God
is greater than he." —Mt 11:11
Praise: When Sarah begins to feel deserted during the holidays she visits
those who are even more lonely and brings the love of Jesus to them.
(For a related teaching, order our tape on "I Believe in Miracles" on
audio AV 63-3 or video V-63.)
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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, 2009 through January 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 4, 2009
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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