the greatest day of christmas?
"A people living in darkness has seen a great light." —Matthew 4:16
Throughout much of the world, the highlight of the Christmas season is the feast of the Epiphany. The purpose of each person's life is to follow the star, find Jesus, give Him the gift of our life, worship Him, and manifest the light of Christ to the ends of the earth (see Mt 2:10ff). Then the prophecy will be fulfilled: "A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen" (Mt 4:16).
Therefore, let us follow:
- the star of repentance, for "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt 4:17),
- the star of prayer "and receive at His hands whatever we ask" (1 Jn 3:22), and
- the star of service. "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before Him; with trembling pay homage to Him, lest He be angry and you perish from the way, when His anger blazes suddenly. Happy are all who take refuge in Him!" (Ps 2:11)
In effect, let us follow the star of obedience. Only by strict and careful obedience will we find Jesus. Those who obey Him will find Him and remain in Him, and He will remain in them (1 Jn 3:24).
In these last six days of Christmas, may we be wise enough to give ourselves totally to Christ, let Him break new ground in our lives, and take us where we've never been before. Let us plunge ever more deeply into the infinite love of the triune God. Let us be consumed by the fire of His love (see Heb 12:29).
Prayer: Father, give me Your kind of Christmas.
Promise: "This is how we know that He remains in us: from the Spirit that He gave us." —1 Jn 3:24
Praise: St. Raymond was a philosophy teacher, doctor of law, confessor to the Pope, author, archbishop, and head of the Dominican order. He sought to improve both minds and hearts of his students.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 16, 2018
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.