Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Psalm 122:1-9, Matthew 24:37-44
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YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN
"You cannot know the day your Lord is coming." -Matthew 24:42
This first day of the Church year could be the last day of the world, for we know not the day or the hour. "The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect" (Mt 24:44). "The coming of the Son of Man will repeat what happened in Noah's time. In the days before the flood people were eating and drinking, marrying and being married, right up to the day Noah entered the ark. They were totally unconcerned" (Mt 24:37-39).
Many are busily getting ready for Christmas, but how many are ready for Christ? What if this Advent didn't mean waiting for His Christmas coming but His actual Second Coming? Would we be busy about many things (see Lk 10:41), or prepared and ready to greet Him when He comes again? (see Mt 24:44) What if today were the world's last day, or your last day? Would you spend Christmas in heaven? "You know the time in which we are living. It is now the hour for you to wake from sleep, for our salvation is closer than when we first accepted the faith" (Rm 13:11). "Let us live honorably as in daylight; not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual excess and lust, not in quarreling and jealousy" (Rm 13:13).
When Jesus comes back this hour, day, Advent, Christmas, year, or whenever, may He see Himself in us because we have "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and have made "no provision for the desires of the flesh" (Rm 13:14). Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer: Jesus, come back today, this Advent, or as soon as possible.
Promise: "The mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest mountain." -Is 2:2
Praise: Praise Jesus, exalted at God's right hand, Who will come again in glory! Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
(Consider supporting PM's retreat center this Advent with a gift of your time, talent, or treasure. Call 937-587-5464 to help.)
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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 October 1, 2010 through November 30, 2010
?Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2010
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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