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Sunday, December 15, 2013

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Third Sunday of Advent


Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
James 5:7-10
Psalm 146:6-10
Matthew 11:2-11

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"The Judge stands at the gate." —James 5:9

You're ready for any of Christ's comings or for none of them. For example, if you're ready for His final coming, you're ready for His Christmas coming and for His coming at your death. If you say you're ready for Christmas, but aren't ready for death and judgment, you're deceiving yourself. You're not ready for the real Christmas. You're either ready for Jesus in every way, or you're not ready.

"Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, He comes with vindication; with divine recompense He comes to save you" (Is 35:4). Jesus is coming not to condemn but to save (Jn 3:17). If you're looking forward to His Christmas coming, you can be joyfully anticipating His coming in death and judgment. It will be so good that it's hard to wait for it, but be patient "until the coming of the Lord" (Jas 5:7).

At least you can speed Jesus' Second Coming up by repentance, evangelization, and intercession (2 Pt 3:12). "He Who is to come" is coming (Mt 11:3). Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Christmas. Come, death. Come, judgment. Come, Jesus. "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come!' Let him who hears answer, 'Come!' " (Rv 22:17)

Prayer:  Jesus, may I yearn for Your coming because I love You.

Promise:  "The blind recover their sight, cripples walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, dead men are raised to life, and the poor have the good news preached to them. Blest is the man who finds no stumbling block in Me." —Mt 11:5-6

Praise:  Praise Jesus, risen Lord and only Way to the Father! (Jn 14:6)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013

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