If Jesus hadn't become a human being, there would be no saving death and resurrection, no Church or Mass, no body of Christ – there would be no Christmas. Therefore, the Incarnation was one of the greatest events in the history of the human race, and the basis for all the other great events.
Accordingly, we recall the Incarnation morning, noon, and evening in the prayer called the "Angelus." We recall the Incarnation at least fifty-three times in one five-decade rosary as we pray each "Hail Mary." We meditate on the Incarnation as the first joyful mystery. We celebrate the feast of the Incarnation March 25 under the name of the Annunciation. We read about it in Luke 1:35 and John 1:14, and read it between all the rest of the lines of the Bible. We proclaim the Incarnation each Christmas by celebrating the birth of Jesus nine months after He became a human being.
Are you so accustomed to all these references to the Incarnation that you ignore them? Or are you ever more deeply entering into the mystery of the Incarnate God? Be amazed that God became a human being – conceived, birthed, nursed, tired, tempted, sad, crucified, and dead. Treasure all these things and reflect on them in your heart (see Lk 2:19).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I relate to the Incarnate Jesus as did the wise men (see Mt 2:11). |
| PROMISE: | "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and shall name Him Immanuel." –Is 7:14 |
| PRAISE: | "O Key of David, O Royal Power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and shadow of death; and lead Your captive people into freedom." |
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