a big job in a short time
"I assure you, though, that Elijah has already come, but they did not recognize him and they did as they pleased with him." —Matthew 17:12
Traditionally, Elijah, John the Baptist, Joseph, and Mary have been the major leaders in preparing us to meet Christ at Christmas. This is a very formidable team that has prepared the way for some of the most important events in God's plan of salvation. This team is called in for the "big jobs." Thus, our Advent preparation for Christmas must be a "big job." Because of our sins, we are so unprepared for Christ's great coming this Christmas that great works need to be done in us in a short time to prepare us for Christmas.
Through Elijah, we need restoration (see Mt 17:11) through reconciliation, especially reconciliation between fathers and sons (Sir 48:10). To meet Christ at Christmas, we also need John the Baptist's baptism in repentance, that is, an immersion in repentance (Mk 1:4). Furthermore, we need Joseph's faith to receive the graces of Christmas. Finally, we need the holiness of Mary to receive the Holy Spirit, the only true Christmas Spirit.
The Lord has a short time to do a great work in our lives before Christmas. Live fully every moment of Advent.
Prayer: Father, do the miracle of Advent in me.
Promise: "You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn the hearts of fathers toward their sons." —Sir 48:10
Praise: St. Lucy vowed herself to virginity at an early age and remained faithful to Christ even to the point of giving up her life as a martyr.
Reference: (Presentation Ministries offers the opportunity to grow in holiness through the Discipleship Retreats. The weekend retreat, Living in Reality, is offered Feb. 13-14, 2004 in Cincinnati, OH. For information on this or other retreats, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert A. Stricker, June 23, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2003