Hannah lived during a time when the people of God were weak in faith, when "a revelation of the Lord was uncommon and vision infrequent" (1 Sm 3:1). She prophesied a spiritual, economic, and social revolution in which "the bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil" (1 Sm 2:4-5). Hannah's prophecy was fulfilled in about thirty years when "the whole Israelite population turned to the Lord" (1 Sm 7:2).

Mary lived during a time when the people of God were oppressed by the Roman government. She also prophesied a spiritual, economic, and social revolution in which the Lord "has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places. The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away" (Lk 1:52-53). Mary's prophecy was more than fulfilled in the death and resurrection of her Son, Jesus.

Pope John Paul II has lived during a time when many of God's people are weak in faith and oppressed by a culture of death. He has prophesied that the Lord is giving us a Great Jubilee which can mark a spiritual, economic, and social revolution. His prophecy will be fulfilled if we are "docile to the action of the Holy Spirit" (Toward the Third Millennium, 18).

Receive the Holy Spirit, the only true Christmas Spirit. Join the revolution.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 21, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1999