The holy families of today are walking through a mine field. One false step, and the family is blown up. Christian parents must be Josephs who know exactly when to leave and where to go. Parents must be divinely inspired and guided because today even more Herods are searching for their children to destroy them (see Mt 2:13). Parents must know and live the Bible and the teachings of the Church or they will be hopelessly confused, and their families will suffer. Family prayer has never been more necessary. Wives must be submissive and husbands must sacrificially love their wives (Col 3:18-19). Now more than ever, children must obey their parents "in everything as the acceptable way in the Lord" (Col 3:20).
Today's holy families need order, guidance, prayer, power, and protection. Families need God, His amazing grace, and daily, if not hourly, miracles. Holy families, don't be discouraged! The Lord promises: "Those who oppose you I will oppose, and your sons [and daughters] I will save" (Is 49:25). "All your sons [and daughters] shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children" (Is 54:13). This Christmas, let these words become flesh in your family (Jn 1:14).
| PRAYER: | Father, may parents be hopeful and confident about their families' future and eternity because of Your saving love and almighty power. |
| PROMISE: | "The Child grew in size and strength, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him." –Lk 2:40 |
| PRAISE: | "Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise" (Ps 96:7). |
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