John the Baptist is presented by Jesus as one of the greatest persons ever born. Yet he missed the privilege being born into the age of Christ, a privilege that has been made available to us. We could do well to emulate John in preparing ourselves for Jesus to become really part of our lives.
John was strong. He was a man of integrity. He was not one of the rich and famous. He was no pop star – all sound and no substance. He would never have made a glamorous icon for Hello magazine. Yet many people went out to hear him, to be challenged by him, to have their lives radically changed by his words.
Actually, our Christian vocation is similar to his. We are called to prepare the way for Jesus to come into our own hearts but also to prepare other people’s hearts so that they, too, may “experience the joy of salvation”, that healing, wholeness and holiness we all long for and which alone gives real meaning to our lives. Christmas is a time of gifts – both giving and receiving. Let us make sure that among the gifts we offer to others is some of the Christian joy which we ourselves have received.
From the reflection for today at “Sacred Space”
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Reflect
A prayer for today and for the week:
Lord Jesus, you are Light for the World, a lamp to our feet, our guide, guard and protector in dark places. During this time of patient waiting and joyful expectation help us to open our hearts to welcome you; be with us as we seek to show your infinite love to all we meet; and create in us a desire to bring the light of your love to those whose lives are filled with darkness, sadness and loneliness. Amen