Jesus came to earth to set people free (Lk 4:18), but most people made His life burdensome. He carried the burden of our sins (Mt 8:17), and He carried the cross to pay for our sins (Jn 19:17). Jesus came to earth to refresh us, but most people did not refresh Him. He was rejected (Jn 1:11), ridiculed (Mt 27:42), spurned (Jn 18:40), disbelieved (Mt 17:17), avoided (Is 53:3), mocked (Mk 15:19-20), and crucified (Jn 19:18). How wonderful that Jesus does not deal with us according to our sins nor requite us according to our crimes! (Ps 103:10)
Jesus is "merciful and gracious," "slow to anger and abounding in kindness" (Ps 103:8). "He pardons all [our] iniquities" (Ps 103:3). "He crowns [us] with kindness and compassion, He fills [our] lifetime with good" (Ps 103:4-5). He refreshes, teaches, guides, and helps us (Mt 11:28-30).
Praise Jesus forever that He doesn't treat us as we had once treated Him. Let us treat Him as He has treated us. Like St. Martha, let's throw open our home and our life to Jesus and welcome Him with open arms (Jn 12:2). Like St. Mary of Bethany, let us lavish love and praise on Jesus (Jn 12:3). Like the magi, let us give Jesus our very best gifts (Mt 2:11).
Come to Jesus (Mt 11:28). Love Him with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind (Lk 10:27). "Let every heart prepare Him room." Welcome Jesus this Advent, Christmas, and forever.
| PRAYER: | Maranatha! "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rv 22:20) Come to me, and I will love You. |
| PROMISE: | "They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings." –Is 40:31 |
| PRAISE: | Pope St. Damasus I worked for the reconciliation of schismatics and heretics so that the Church might be united. |
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