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"It was to destroy the devil's works that the Son of God revealed Himself." —1 John 3:8
The purpose of God becoming man, and therefore the purpose of Christmas, is to destroy the devil's works. That's why the anti-Christ denies Christ come in the flesh (1 Jn 4:2-3). That's why Herod "convulsed" in a violent reaction when he heard about the newborn King of the Jews (see Mt 2:2ff). Herod did not overreact but understood the true meaning of Christmas much better than most people.
Christmas is God's invasion of the devil's privacy here on earth. Christmas is an attack on the gates of hell which cannot prevail against us (Mt 16:18). Christmas is a behind-the-lines insurgency of the kingdom of light against the kingdom of darkness (Col 1:13). Christmas is war, or more precisely, placing Christ's enemies beneath His feet (Heb 10:13).
The Lord is enlisting troops in His Christmas army. Will you join Him? 2020 is the year of victory. Whose side are you on? Neutrality is complicity with the enemy (see Rv 3:15-16). You're either with Jesus or you're with Herod (Mt 12:30). It's Christmas time on the battlefield. You must decide.
Prayer: Jesus, I'll fight for You, even if I have to die.
Promise: "He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity." —Ps 98:9
Praise: St. Elizabeth Seton, a wife and mother of five, always bowed to the will of God. She founded the first American orphanage and the Sisters of Charity, and became the first citizen of the United States of America to be canonized. Even before she converted to Catholicism, she participated in Catholic devotions. For instance, she wore a crucifix and completed a daily examination of conscience.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Seek First the Kingdom, order, view or download our leaflet on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 2, 2019
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