Those who don't know God think being a Christian is boring. They even think that a Christ-centered Christmas is more boring than a worldly Xmas. But they're wrong in both cases. Here are a few snapshots of a Christ-centered Christmas. The Lord "comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills" (Sg 2:8). We respond by shouting (Zep 3:14). Then we sing joyfully (Zep 3:14). Next, this springing, leaping, and loving Lord sings joyfully because of us (Zep 3:17). We and the Lord sing back and forth to each other, and the whole place starts to jump. Then we dance with the springing, leaping, loving, and singing Lord. Even babies in the womb start to dance by jumping for joy as they receive the Holy Spirit (see Lk 1:44). The rejoicing in our town rises to fever pitch (Acts 8:8). The place starts to shake as we pray (Acts 4:31). We are all "filled with the Holy Spirit," the only true Christmas Spirit (Acts 4:31).
This is only one scene of Christ's Christmas season. Yes, we will have a "silent night, holy night" during the Christmas season. However, some of our Christmas nights and days will not be silent, but thunderously joyful. Come, Lord Jesus!
| PRAYER: | Father, may I dance before You as David danced (see 2 Sm 6:14). |
| PROMISE: | "Blest is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled." –Lk 1:45 |
| PRAISE: | "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death." |
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