'twas the day before christmas
"Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, uttered this prophecy: 'Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel because He has visited and ransomed His people.' " —Luke 1:67-68
Today may literally be one of the most important days of your life. This is Christmas Eve. The Lord in His love has planned this day for you before He created the world. Today you may be on the threshold of the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in your life. Today is probably a very busy day for you as you prepare for Christmas. Nevertheless, I suggest that you leave some things undone. Maybe they're not as essential for Christmas as you think. Use this time to pray. You may have already had your usual quiet time with the Lord, but today is different. Despite all the pressures, be a Mary today instead of a Martha (Lk 10:39-40).
Jesus, the Lord of Christmas, wants to talk to you about your life and your part in His plan of salvation. He will give "His people a knowledge of salvation in freedom from their sins. All this is the work of the kindness of our God; He, the Dayspring, shall visit us in His mercy" (Lk 1:77-78). Jesus says: "Call to Me, and I will answer you; I will tell to you things great beyond reach of your knowledge" (Jer 33:3). "Listen to Him" (Mt 17:5).
Prayer: Father, may I sit down and let You talk to me.
Promise: "I will give you rest from all your enemies. The Lord also reveals to you that He will establish a house for you." —2 Sm 7:11
Praise: Mark, a Catholic music minister, prays for a deep anointing on the music He selects for the Christmas liturgies, asking the Holy Spirit to bring everyone in the congregation to adore Jesus with great devotion.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 2011
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