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Friday, December 25, 2009

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Christmas


Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-6
Psalm 98:1-6
John 1:1-18

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footprints

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him Who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation." —Isaiah 52:7

We parents can spend much time gazing at our babies. We enjoy the way our infant's feet and toes curl up and expand. We count the number of toes and fingers. Each little movement brings fresh delight. Before we know it, we've spent a half-hour contemplating our baby. We can spend hours looking at our own babies, and never tire of it. This is because we love our baby so much.

Jesus took on flesh and became a human Baby (Jn 1:14). Now we can relate to Him in a way that we couldn't previously. As a parent delights in admiring each aspect of their newborn, so we can reflect on the many aspects of the incarnate Infant, Jesus.

This Christmas season, as you contemplate the Baby Jesus, reflect especially upon Jesus' beautiful feet (Is 52:7). He traveled dusty roads to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God (Mt 10:14). He let His feet be washed by the penitent woman (Lk 7:44-45), so we would know that love overcomes a multitude of sins (1 Pt 4:8). He allowed His feet to be pierced and nailed to a cross and bleed for our salvation. His feet pushed painfully upon the nails so He could breathe enough to speak His last words on the cross.

Choose the better portion this Christmas (Lk 10:42). Sit at the beautiful feet of Jesus and listen to His words (Lk 10:39).

Prayer:  Father, give me such a love for Jesus that I never tire of meditating on Him. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us all.

Promise:  "Any who did accept Him He empowered to become children of God." —Jn 1:12

Praise:  Praise You, Infant Jesus! Your innocence and beauty have transformed the world. Alleluia!

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2009

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