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Saturday, December 25, 2010

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Christmas


Isaiah 9:1-3, 5-6
Titus 2:11-14
Psalm 96:1-3, 11-13
Luke 2:1-14

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"christ our savior is born"

"The grace of God has appeared, offering salvation to all." —Titus 2:11

Jesus is the Messiah, the Fulfillment of all history (see Mt 1:16). Jesus is Emmanuel (God-with-us) (see Mt 1:23), God Himself. Jesus is the Light of the world, a Child born to us, a Son given to us, "Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace" (Is 9:5). Jesus is our Savior (Acts 13:23; Lk 2:11; Is 62:11; Ti 2:13; 3:4-6). Jesus is Heir of all things, Creator of the universe, and "the Reflection of the Father's glory, the exact Representation of the Father's being, and He sustains all things by His powerful word" (Heb 1:2-3). He is the Word Who is God and the Word made flesh (Jn 1:1, 14). Jesus is "God the only Son, ever at the Father's side" (Jn 1:18).

On this first day of Christmas, we begin again to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Because Jesus is everything the Bible claims He is and more, the significance of Jesus' birth is beyond anything we can imagine. Even after living into eternity, we will only begin to appreciate what Jesus did for us on the first Christmas. With Mary, forever we will treasure all these things and reflect on them in our hearts (Lk 2:19).

On this Christmas day, take the first step in thanking the Lord for His birth. By faith, let's repent of our sins, deny ourselves (Lk 9:23), and decide to live for Jesus and not for ourselves. Let's accept "the baptism of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Ti 3:5). No matter how weak we are, today we will see Jesus' saving power if we so wish. Today, "a Savior has been born to you" (Lk 2:11).

Prayer:  Jesus, I believe in You, obey You, and decide to live for You alone.

Promise:  "This day in David's city a Savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord." —Lk 2:11

Praise:  "Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth!" Alleluia!

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 28, 2010

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