Much of the world has already started to celebrate Christmas, but we Christians are still waiting. We are observing the season of Advent. We are not jumping ahead of the Lord, but waiting for His coming by preparing our hearts.

What do we hear from the world? We hear that Christmas is a season for children; innocent, delighted children are often pictured on “holiday” commercials. This is true for Christians as well. We are to become as children, innocently waiting with delight for the Child Jesus to come into our lives. God likewise thinks Christmas is for children and all who become like little children. He sent prophets to announce that a Child shall lead us (Is 11:6). Then He sent His Son as a Child to lead us into His Kingdom.

Today’s readings show that:

• a child shall play safely in the most dangerous places, such as an adder’s lair (Is 11:8),
• as in a child’s fairy tales, deadly opponents like a wolf and a lamb shall live at peace (Is 11:6ff).
• God reveals things especially to the childlike (Lk 10:21),
• the King’s Child will bring justice (Ps 72:1),
• these readings are not a fairy tale. God makes this picture real by becoming an incarnate Child.

Blessed indeed are our eyes! (Lk 10:23) If we can respond to this Good News with a childlike sense of awe and wonder, we will be prepared for Christ’s coming. Ask the Lord for the blessed eyes of a child.

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 14, 2020"

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