(John the Baptist) was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which in lightened everyone… John 1:8–9

“John the Baptist had his sights set on Jesus. We learn through John’s voice and actions how deeply he sensed in his heart that Jesus was the divine light, God enfleshed in human form. Thus it was that John’s entire attention focused passionately on this relationship.At the same time, John remained humble in his calling and avoided thinking this was about making himself important.

As we come to the end of this year, why not take time to put ourselves in John‘s sandals. How much of our heart have we set on Jesus? When were we especially aware of the relationship we have with this beloved Teacher? if some of our attention on this relationship strayed, what caused this drifting apart? Perhaps you could have a conversation with John the Baptist. Ask him how he managed to keep his heart burning brightly for the person he wanted everyone to know and love.” Sr. Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.

Let us take time to reflect and rather than coming up with a bunch of resolutions, let us ask God what needs to be changed in our life.

“When life overwhelms you and you feel like you can’t carry on, hold out your hand to God. He will give you strength and walk beside you when you think you can’t walk another step.

God will carry you through life‘s trials; He will help you make it through this day and all those to come. And He is always watching over you.” Barbara J. Hall

No matter what we are going through God is always present with us.

They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him. John 20:2

“I can picture Peter, Mary Magdalene and the unnamed disciple at the tomb looking astonished. These are the most faithful disciples, firsthand witnesses of Jesus’ miracles on many occasions. He cured the lame, gave sight to the blind, raised Lazarus from the dead. I don’t doubt Jesus performed more miracles than we read about in the Gospels. Time and again, Jesus continued to surprise those who recognized him as the Son of God. He even told them that he would be killed and will rise on the third day.

We can hardly fault them for being astonished. Think of how many times we have been pleasantly surprised by the answer to prayer. Even with a vigorous faith and strong conviction in the truth of the Gospel, we are constantly in awe of how God continues to act in our lives, blessing us abundantly in amazing ways. Deborah A. Meister

This is so true. God is constantly acting in our lives.

… I proclaim to you a good news of great joy… Luke 2:10

“In Christmas art and carols, a glowing baby Jesus sleeps upon soft straw, swaddled in white germ-free linen. Perhaps a scratch-and-sniff Christmas card would better capture the authentic Bethlehem experience!

The reality of Christmas, then and now, is so different from our fantasy. We live in the messy and broken world that God came to save. In our own communities, families face the same plight as Mary and Joseph: unexpected pregnancy. Relocating at the worst possible time. Fleeing to seek refuge in another land. Uncertainty about how everything will turn out.

Our challenge is to live and proclaim the promise of Christmas despite hurts and hardships around us. If we sanitize the story of Christ’s breaking into the world, like a sentimental Hallmark movie, we miss the world shaking magnitude that God accomplished as a tiny Child. May our hearts be stirred in our Christmas worship by the true Nativity scene, so that Jesus may find room to grow and change us from the inside out.”

Steve Pable

I never really thought about the reality of the first Christmas. The struggles that Mary and Joseph went through. May God open our eyes to see what needs to be changed in our individual lives. May God bless us and our world with peace and hope! Merry Christmas!

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Luke 1:64

“Today’s gospel continues the story of the birth of John the Baptist. Once John (‘gift of God’) was named, Zechariah’s speech was restored and he blessed God. Others came to believe and to discover the miracles, the blessings and gifts of God in their own lives.

So, too, with us. Miracles may come to us in both the small moments of life and in the big events. But we need eyes to see and our hearts to accept that they are real and witness to the power and love of God in our lives. Then we bless God and tell others what God has done for us. Convinced that God’s love is all around us and walks the streets in our neighborhoods, let us commemorate the divine splashes of grace in our lives, in our every day miracles.

Oh God, open my eyes and heart to bless you for the countless miracles in my life.” Sr. Bridget Haase, O.S.U

Let us ask God to open our eyes so we can see the miracles that are around us.