the messenger from heaven
"How beautiful...are the feet of Him Who brings glad tidings." —Isaiah 52:7
In the days before modern global communications, messengers ran or walked to deliver their news transmissions. They brought news from loved ones in far-off places to people who could not travel. These messengers were most welcome couriers.
Today, on this Christmas Day, we celebrate a pair of tiny, beautiful feet (Is 52:7) — those of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In times past God sent His messages "in fragmentary and varied ways...through the prophets" (Heb 1:1). "In this, the final age, He has spoken to us through His Son," Jesus Christ, the Messenger from heaven (Heb 1:2). In Jesus, we have been given the best possible news: the fullness of divine revelation and the establishment of the Church, the Body of Christ, so that God's messages will continue.
We who live on this earth resemble the folks from centuries past. They longed for news of far-off loved ones, but could not receive it without the intervention of a messenger. We long for news from heaven, but cannot receive it without hearing from the Messenger. Jesus is the One sent from heaven, Who knows what He is saying (see Jn 3:11-13). Therefore, believe Jesus. Prostrate yourself before Him. Choose the better portion — to sit at His beautiful feet, listen to His words (Lk 10:39-42), and believe and obey Him.
Prayer: Jesus, my Savior and Lord, may I live for every word that comes from Your mouth (Mt 4:4).
Promise: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." —Jn 1:14
Praise: "This day in David's city a Savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord" (Lk 2:11). "Glory to God in high heaven" and peace on earth! (Lk 2:14)
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 16, 2018
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