Among other things, Christmas is a celebration of Christ, the Light of the world (see Jn 1:5). But what if we cannot see the Light of life (Jn 8:12) and the Light of Christmas? We must be healed of our blindness this Advent. The Lord promises: "Out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see" (Is 29:18). Jesus will touch our eyes, and we will recover our sight (Mt 9:29-30). This happens when we by faith (see Mt 9:29) accept God's grace to repent of our sins, which have blinded us to the Lord.
Imagine going through Christmas pretending you see the Christmas lights and candles. When others would remark on the beauty of the lights, you would pretend to agree but not have any idea what you were not seeing. So many people go through Christmas in an even worse condition. They use the word "Christmas" without seeing what it means. They see the manger scene with their physical eyes but are blinded to its significance. They sing "O come, let us adore Him," but are blinded to the divinity of Christ, which makes Him adorable. We need an Advent healing from spiritual blindness to see and celebrate the Christmas light.
Jesus, You opened my eyes at Baptism. Touch my eyes and renew my Baptism to see You, the Light.
| PRAYER: | Father, "I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see" (from the song "Amazing Grace"). |
| PROMISE: | "They shall keep My name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction." –Is 29:23-24 |
| PRAISE: | St. Francis Xavier evangelized in Japan and India. He and St. Thérèse of Lisieux are co-patrons of the missions. |
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