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, and 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 all the authority and power to "cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons" (Mt 10:8). 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: | St. Nicholas, who is noted for his gospel poverty, gave gifts that freed others from poverty and sin, especially the sin of impurity. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College