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Friday, December 21, 2012

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St. Peter Canisius


Song of Songs 2:8-14 or
Zephaniah 3:14-18
Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Luke 1:39-45

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anticipation

"He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals." —Zephaniah 3:17-18

Jesus is more eager for Christmas 2012 than the most excited child. He wants to spring across the mountains and leap across the hills (Sg 2:8). He's passionately in love with you. If you doubt this, look at His nail-scarred hands, pierced for love of you.

Jesus, Love incarnate, is "gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices" (Sg 2:9). He has come to you; He wants you to come to Him. He whispers: "Arise, My beloved, My beautiful one, and come!" (Sg 2:10)

"O, come all ye faithful," "come, let us adore Him." Jesus is running toward us; let us run toward Him. Let's proceed "in haste into the hill country" (Lk 1:39). Let the Holy Spirit leap within us (Lk 1:44). Let's "shout for joy," "sing joyfully," and "be glad and exult" with all our hearts (Zep 3:14). The King of Israel, the Lord, is in our midst, we have "no further misfortune to fear" (Zep 3:15).

Rejoice, the Lord is coming to meet us. Let us open our arms and hearts to Him. Jesus is near!

Prayer:  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...

Promise:  "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." —Lk 1:41

Praise:  "O Radiant Dawn, Splendor of eternal light, Sun of Justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death."

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012

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