light-year
"We will go up..." —Psalm 122:1
The Church compares Advent to climbing a mountain. The purpose of mountain climbing is to reach the summit where we can see the view. We climb the mountain of Advent also to see, not with physical sight but with spiritual insight.
On top of Advent's mountain, we will see the Christmas light of Christ, and He will instruct us in His ways (Is 2:3). This instruction, light, and insight will profoundly change us and our world. Implements of death will be recycled for life. War and even armies will cease (Is 2:4). The whole world will be dramatically changed when we "walk in the light of the Lord" (Is 2:5).
Christmas is a festival of light. This is the origin of the candles on the Advent wreath, the lights on the Christmas tree, and other Christmas lights. We celebrate Christmas following the winter equinox when it begins to grow lighter each day. In the new year will you be like the sun, growing brighter? Or will you walk in darkness?
Jesus said: "I am the Light of the world. No follower of Mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life" (Jn 8:12).
Prayer: Father, create light in me this Christmas.
Promise: "A centurion approached Him with this request: 'Sir, my serving boy is at home in bed paralyzed, suffering painfully.' He said to him, 'I will come and cure him.' " —Mt 8:5-7
Praise: Gene and Jennifer, a married couple, repented of adultery, forgave each other, and went to Confession for the first time in years. Then Gene reversed his vasectomy, and they conceived a child. They quit their jobs and began a fruitful ministry to married and engaged couples.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Developing A Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2010
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