< <  

Sunday, December 20, 2015

  > >

Fourth Sunday of Advent


Micah 5:1-4
Hebrews 10:5-10
Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19
Luke 1:39-45

View Readings
Similar Reflections

the long-awaited one

"Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" —Luke 1:43

During the days of the prophets Micah and Isaiah, things were bad and getting worse. The poor were oppressed, the threat of war overshadowed life, and God's people were not about to repent. In the midst of this darkness, the Lord gave His people hope by announcing through Micah that someday Someone would be born in Bethlehem Who would bring peace and be Peace (Mi 5:4).

God's people waited over seven-hundred years for the Ruler-Shepherd of Bethlehem. He was named "Jesus," that is, "Savior," and He is our Peace (Eph 2:14). In fact, He is our Lord and God (see Jn 20:28).

This Christmas, this Advent, today, isn't it time to give everything to Jesus — to live no longer for ourselves but for Him? (2 Cor 5:15; Gal 2:20) Right now, by God's grace, make the most important decision of your life. Holding nothing back, give your life to Jesus, your Ruler, Shepherd, Peace, Savior, Lord, and God.

Prayer:  Father, may I not just keep Christ in Christmas but put myself and Christmas in Christ.

Promise:  "By this 'will,' we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." —Heb 10:10

Praise:  "O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at Your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead Your captive people into freedom."

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our leaflet on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God or our audio AV 43-1 or video V-43 or download our leaflet or our digital teaching CD 43-1 or DVD 43 at presentationministries.com.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 2015

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.