Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist Third Day of the Octave of Christmas
Season of thanksgiving in prayer
Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life—for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:1–4
Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr, Second Day of the Octave of Christmas
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Acts 7:58-59
Reflect, today, upon the demand imposed upon you by the birth of the Savior of the World. From an earthly perspective, this “demand” can appear overwhelming. But from the perspective of faith, we recognize that His birth is nothing more than an opportunity for us to enter into new life. We are called to enter into a new life of grace and total self-giving. Let yourself embrace this Christmas celebration by looking at ways you are being called to give of yourself more completely. Do not be afraid to give everything to God and others. It’s a sacrifice worth giving and is made possible by this precious Child.
Lord, as we continue the glorious celebration of Your birth, help me to understand the effect that Your coming among us must have on my life. Help me to clearly perceive Your invitation to give myself completely to Your glorious will. May Your birth instill in me a willingness to be born anew into a life of selfless and sacrificial giving. May I learn to imitate the love that St. Stephen had for You and to live that radical love in my life. St. Stephen, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.
The angel said to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:10–14
Glory to God in the highest! The celebration of the glorious birth of Christ the Lord has begun…Merry Christmas!
Lord, I love You and adore You. I thank You for the unfathomable gift of Your divine presence among us. I thank You, especially, for the invitation You offer me to join the poor shepherds as they come to adore You. May this Christmas celebration be one in which I understand, more deeply, the incredible love You have for all Your children. May I know that You came for
In Psalm 98, all of creation is called upon to make a joyful noise before God, for the Lord has come to “judge the earth,” and restore His Creation. We should not fail to see our own hand at work in the destruction of creation, in our sins of waste and decadence. This “judgment of the earth” is, in some part, a judgment of us as caretakers. But God is merciful and full of grace, and rather than leave everything in our hands, He gives us the Life-giver. This beautiful hymn makes the connection between the coming of Christ into this world and the beginning of that restoration. Christ brings “joy to the world,” a light where there is darkness, growth where there is decay. And we, along with all Creation, respond with a song of praise. Singing is praying twice so let our hearts sing!
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from dust!
O King of us all. I find myself standing before your strength and splendor watching, waiting and filled with total joy.
You have lifted my mind in hope. Now help me to open my life the coming of the Spirit.
I want to be like Mary, your mother. Her wonderful courage and strength inspire me to do the same. She simply said Yes and the impossible was done.
Thank you for this Advent journey. The anticipation has filled my life and made me long for a closer relationship with you.
My life gets so busy that I forget to focus. Thank you for your guidance. Thank you for the quiet moments when I have felt your love.
Nothing will be impossible with God.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Jesus, King of all nations, shine your light on all my allegiances, and show me how they should be ordered. Help me serve your nation – the church – better than I have. Show me how and where to devote myself and my abilities. Every day it becomes more and more important to celebrate anything that makes us think beyond what it means to be an American in order to become a wild, loving Christian let loose in the world to fill it with love.
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
Loving God, It is growing in my heart: An awareness and gratitude of your constant love for me; Like the sun rising in the East to warm and comfort my life and to bring new growth.
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!
O Jesus, you hold the key that will unlock my constricted heart. It gives me great hope that Mary said yes to you and your plan. She was filled with the Spirit and put aside her own doubts.
I know you are ready to answer my prayers, ease my doubts and calm my fears. Sometimes I don’t hear your messengers because they aren’t what I expect. They aren’t wearing wings or halos but are the people standing in front of me.
How many times have I not listened? How often have I balked at your messages and your messengers?
Fill me with the light of your Spirit and enter, in all your glory into my life. Let me rejoice!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Spend some time reflecting on the things in your life that “chain” you down that you wish Jesus to remove. Invite the Spirit to convict us only in a manner that invites healing. Christ is the Key who can free us from every prison and all forms of darkness
O Root of Jesse which stands as a sign among the peoples; before whom the kings keep silence, and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come and save us, and do not delay.
O Jesus who descended from Jesse, you are a sign of God’s love. I feel hopeful and expectant, filled with a rebirth of joy and love.
I depend on you so much. You are a rock for my belief and a sign of God’s love.
Fill me with your praise! I want to sing your glory, filled with joy for the message of hope you send.
I don’t always understand when you are acting on my behalf. Thank you for the message of hope you send me. Give me true faith and love as I celebrate the mystery of how you came to be with us.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Take a walk in nature, ponder about all the things with roots and steam – how they grow and flourish with the help of water and sunlight. Recall one way the Lord has helped you flourish over this past year.
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.
O Adonai, dearest Lord, Compassionate God of justice, so many areas of my life seem imprisoned but you promise me real freedom and peace in my life.
Renew my spirit and free my soul. Please, open my heart which you have bathed in the longing of Advent.
I am awe-struck as your glory fills the earth and I want to follow you in caring for other.
Grant me the grace to see how you shine your light on the poor who have such a special place in your heart.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Light a candle today and read the story of the burning bush in Exodus 3. Let the flame of that candle remind you of the way God first revealed himself to Moses on Mount Sinai. Ponder, also, of the day he gave Moses the Ten Commandments, “in cloud and majesty and awe” as the hymn says. Read the commandments together and vow to keep them better.
Smitten With Goodness 