christmas help
“At the sight of the crowds, His heart was moved with pity.” —Matthew 9:36
The Lord is planning a wonderful Christmas. He promises: “No more will you weep” (Is 30:19). Our prayers will be answered immediately (Is 30:19). We will no longer be confused but know exactly which way to go (Is 30:21). Our lives will be fruitful and life-giving (see Is 30:23-25). We will walk in the light as never before and also see the Lord healing His people (Is 30:26).
These are just a few of Jesus’ plans for Christmas. So much needs to be done to accomplish all these Christmas plans. The Lord has decided not to do it all Himself, but to send out workers to love, console, teach, lead, empower, enlighten, and heal (Mt 9:38).
Will you work in His Christmas harvest? “The harvest is good but laborers are scarce” (Mt 9:37). The Lord will give you sufficient power to minister to the wounded and broken-hearted. He’ll give you wonderful gifts, and all you have to do is pass it on (see Mt 10:8).
Will you work for the Lord this Advent? Do you love the Lord and His people enough to put aside your plans and reach out in Jesus’ name to the sick, suffering, and lost? Jesus needs helpers, but “everyone is busy seeking his own interests rather than those of Christ Jesus” (Phil 2:21). Deny yourself (see Lk 9:23) and work with Jesus this Advent and forever.
Prayer: Father, may I consider it a privilege to work for You, Your Son, and the Spirit. May I put in a good day’s work for You today and every day.
Promise: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” —Ps 147:3
Praise: Tom and Barb organize a “Giving Tree” at their parish every Advent, so that the poor, needy and elderly will have a blessed Christmas present.
Reference:
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"
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.