God greatest gift

At Christmas we are the recipients of God�s greatest gift � His only Son. On that holy night so long ago God gave us the gift of Jesus, our Divine Savior, and Scripture tells us that God loved us so much that He was born in a stable because there was no room at the Inn. The first people to hear this news were poor shepherds. An angel told them, "Fear not, I bring you tidings of good joy which shall be for all people, for this day in David�s city is born a Savior, Christ the Lord."

You notice that the first words of the angel to the shepherds are "fear not." In other words, "be calm, be at peace." After His resurrection, Christ appeared several times to His disciples. His first words were always the same, "Peace, do not be afraid." It seems that whenever Heaven touches earth, the message is always the same, "fear not, be at peace." 

As we look around our world this Christmas, we see many nations that are not at peace. We all know families and individuals, maybe even yourself, who do not know the peace of Christmas.

source: Father Bob Warren, SA

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: �Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

~ Isaiah 7:10-16 ~

God always has plans for your good

"For I know the plans I have for you,� declares the Lord, 

�plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future." 

~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~

The Lord knows what's best for you. He knows what you need to experience in order to evolve spiritually, and what kind of challenges will help you to do so. I know some of you are going through some storms right now, but have faith! These storms are transitory experiences-they will pass, but the love of the living God is eternal.

God can use something that was meant for your harm to your advantage. New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. Storms usually preclude seasons of favor, increase, and prosperity.

God knew His plan for you before you even entered the womb of your Mother. Trust in him, no matter what circumstances manifest in your lives. Nothing is a surprise to God. He knew the solution to your challenges before they even sprung upon you. He can see what you can't see. The unknown is known to Him. All you need to get through any storm is Faith!!!!

Believe God is working wonders in your life, regardless of external conditions. Whether you're rich or poor, healthy or ill, anxious or at peace, always believe something amazing is about to happen. God is a good God, expect miracles and they'll chase you down!

Patient in the storm-centered in the eye. Jesus, Our Lord, on the cross He died. You are always forgiven, no matter how bad you sin! No matter what befalls you, in the end, you always win! Seek ye first, the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Begin to trust the Lord, like Mary and Jesus do!

source: Ave Maria

Why are you worrying?

I told you once 

and I tell you again,

I AM YOUR GOD 

of divine happenings.

My timing is PERFECT.

~ GOD ~ 

Not once in the Bible

does it say

worry about it,

stress about it,

figure it out,

but time after time

it says to 

put your TRUST in GOD.

put your TRUST in GOD.

They did not want me to reign over them

How does God establish his kingdom here on the earth? The Jews in Jesus' time had a heightened sense that the Messiah would appear soon to usher in the kingdom of God's justice, love, and peace on the earth (Isaiah 11:1-9). Jesus, in fact, spoke in messianic terms of the coming reign of God. Perhaps his entry into Jerusalem would bring about such a change and overthrow of Roman domination.

Advent ~ a season of self-preparation for the coming of Jesus

"Advent is synonymous with hope: 

not the vain waiting for a faceless god, 

but concrete and certain trust 

in the return of him who has already visited us," 
~ * ~ Pope St John Paul II ~ * ~

Repentance,
Penance,
and
Renewal

"the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,"
* Matthew 1:23 *

Prayer for Peace of Mind and Heart

Eternal, Holy God, 

I come to You burdened 

with worries, fears, doubts, and troubles.

Calm and quiet me 

with peace of mind.

Empty me of the anxiety 

that disturbs me, 

of the concerns

that weary my spirit,

and weigh heavy on my heart.