Jesus is always full of surprises. Today He invites us to a Christmas picnic, of all things, a picnic on God's holy mountain. The view is gorgeous, and the food delectable, "rich food and choice wines" (Is 25:6). The entertainment is overwhelming. First, He removes the veil so we can see and there's nothing to separate us from each other (Is 25:7). The view from the mountain is now breathtaking. Next, Jesus destroys the web which has caught us (Is 25:7-8). Now we're totally free, breathing in the exhilarating mountain air and leaping for joy. We wish it would never end. So Jesus destroys death forever, and it will never end (Is 25:8).
Some have just come to the picnic. They are labored and burdened, battered by the world, with tears in their eyes and pain in their hearts. Jesus gently and lovingly wipes away "the tears from all faces" and removes their reproach (Is 25:8).
The Lord has done it all. God is now all in all (1 Cor 15:28). There's nothing left to do but rejoice in the Lord always and forever (Phil 4:4). "This is the Lord for Whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us!" (Is 25:9)
| PRAYER: | Lord, thank You for the mountain, the picnic, and for You. |
| PROMISE: | "[Jesus] took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. All ate until they were full." –Mt 15:36-37 |
| PRAISE: | St. John of Damascus opposed heretics, making Christian enemies. God arranged for Muslim rulers to protect his life. |
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