Friday, December 18, 2015
Jeremiah 23:5-8, Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19, Matthew 1:18-25
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121815.cfm
CHRISTMAS CHRISTIANS
" 'The virgin shall be with Child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call Him Emmanuel,' a name which means 'God is with us.' " -Matthew 1:23
At the Incarnation, God did the impossible: He became fully human while remaining fully divine. Without sexual relations (Mt 1:20, 25), Mary, God's mother, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. A star (Mt 2:2) and choirs of angels (Lk 2:13) announced Jesus' birth. Jesus' Incarnation was a greater event than the astounding release of the Israelites from their exile in Babylon, and the release from Babylon was greater than the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Jer 23:7-8). Thus the Incarnation was greater than both of these awesome events.
The Incarnation was the turning point in human history. In fact, we date human history as before the Incarnation (B.C.) and after it (A.D.). We pray about the Incarnation in the Creed, the "Hail Mary," the "Angelus," and the first joyful mystery of the rosary. We celebrate the Incarnation on March 25, the feast of the Annunciation, and at every Christmas season.
We are called to be incarnational in our history, prayer, and celebrations. We are called to be Christmas Christians intensely and always. Praise Jesus, God made man, the Word made flesh!
Prayer: Father, make me a Christmas Christian.
Promise: "She is to have a Son and you are to name Him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins." -Mt 1:21
Praise: "O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, Who showed Yourself to Moses in the burning bush, Who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out Your mighty hand to set us free."
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Jesus' Incarnation" on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52 or on CD 52-3 or DVD 52 or listen or download at presentationministries.com.)
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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, 2015 through January 31, 2016
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2015
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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