"on the fifth day of christmas,my true love gave to me"
"My eyes have witnessed Your saving Deed displayed for all the peoples to see: A revealing Light to the Gentiles, the Glory of Your people Israel." — Luke 2:30-32
What has Jesus been giving you as you begin the Christmas season? Expect to receive the Lord's personal love this day and each day in the next few weeks. He loves you and wants to show it. Let Him touch and embrace you this Christmas time.
You may have a Simeon-Christmas by receiving what it seems you've been waiting for your whole life (Lk 2:29). Now your life is complete; you can die. Maybe you will die and have the best Christmas ever, in heaven. Perhaps you've been praying for your son to accept Jesus as Lord. This Christmas may be the one when you see the glory of God. Alternatively, you may have a "Mary" Christmas. You may receive a prophetic word about the future. Even if a sword of suffering will pierce your heart, it's a great Christmas gift to know God's plan for your life (Lk 2:34-35). You may have a Joseph-Christmas, a Shepherds-Christmas, or a Magi-Christmas.
All of these Christmases are life-changing encounters with the living God. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9). Let the Christ of Christmas have His way in your life this Christmas.
Prayer: Lord, this Christmas may I let You love me with abandon.
Promise: "The man who continues in the light is the one who loves his brother; there is nothing in him to cause a fall." —1 Jn 2:10
Praise: As St. Thomas was being martyred, he proclaimed: "For the name of Jesus and in defense of the Church I am willing to die."
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012
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