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Sunday, December 2, 2001

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First Sunday of Advent


Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
Psalm 122
Matthew 24:37-44

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"You must be prepared...The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect." —Matthew 24:44

Happy new year! Happy Advent! The word "Advent" means "coming." Jesus has come in the Incarnation! Jesus is coming this Christmas season! Jesus will come at the end of the world! Those who have let the incarnate Jesus come into their lives as their Lord, Savior, and God will be ready for His Christmas coming and His final coming. Therefore, we sing and pray: "O come, O come, Emmanuel."

Jesus says: "Remember, I am coming soon!" (Rv 22:7, 20) "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come!' Let him who hears answer, 'Come!' Let him who is thirsty come forward" (Rv 22:17). "Many peoples shall come and say: 'Come, let us climb the Lord's mountain' " (Is 2:3). Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer:  Jesus, when You come this Christmas season, may I receive You with greater openness and love than ever before.

Promise:  "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." —Rm 13:14

Praise:  Praise Jesus, Emmanuel, risen Lord, the God Who came, is coming, and will come again!

Reference:  (The Discipleship Retreats provide a great opportunity to prepare for Christmas. You may choose to attend Small Christian Communities to Change the World or Retreat for Widows, Dec. 7-9, 2001. For more information or to register, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, May 30, 2001


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 4, 2001