lost children
"Son, why have You done this to us? You see that Your father and I have been searching for You in sorrow." —Luke 2:48
If Mary and Joseph lost Jesus for three days, what can today's parents expect? Some of you may have lost your children for three days, three years, or longer. You may have lost them not physically but spiritually. They may be rebellious and disobedient to you and to God. What if your children are sowing in the field of the flesh and about to receive the harvest of death and destruction? (Gal 6:8) What can you do?
- Give your life to Jesus. You must let Him take over your life to take over your family.
- Pray nine days (a novena) to repent, forgive, and be healed. The change in your family begins with you. Pray that you might see your family in a new way, with the unconditional love of the Father.
- Share your love for Jesus in a simple way with the members of your family on an individual basis.
- Try to pray with each family member, especially with your spouse. If there's resistance to prayer, ask to pray just the "Lord's Prayer."
No matter what your circumstances, Jesus can transform your family. This is His Christmas present to you.
Prayer: Father, may wives be submissive to their husbands as Jesus was to You, and may husbands love their wives as Jesus loved the Church even to death on the cross (Col 3:18-19).
Promise: "Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus." —Col 3:16-17
Praise: Alleluia! Unto us a Child is born! Alleluia!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Family Prayer on audio AV 59-1 or video V-59.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 13, 2006
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