B
BarbaraTherese
Guest
Today’s Readings
http://www.usccb.org/nab/122107.shtml
wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=12&day=21&year=2007&x=9&y=6
http://www.wau.org/images/spacer.gif
Friday, December 21, 2007
Meditation
“The plan of the Lord stands forever; wise designs through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)
What is the plan of the Lord? Just this: to dwell with his people forever. To enjoy a close, intimate relationship with those whom he created. To share his love, hopes, and dreams with his people, and to have them share their time, thoughts, and experiences with him. His plan is to delight in—and be delighted by—his creation. To share his power and attributes with those whom he created in his image and likeness.
The plan has never changed. It has stood firm from the time of our first parents even today, and it will remain his intention until the very end of time. Sin didn’t obliterate it, for sin and its author, Satan, are not stronger than God. He alone has complete, unlimited, all-encompassing power. In fact, God always intended to send his Son to live with us and to raise us up to his presence. That intention didn’t change when we fell. The only change was that, once he came, the Son of God would sacrifice himself to restore our relationship with him. Having accomplished that on the cross, Jesus now continues to work tirelessly to bring God’s full plan to completion.
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, we have every reason to rejoice and give thanks, for we can see how God’s plan has stood the test of time. We see that plan unfold in today’s Gospel reading, and we will see it continue to unfold as we draw closer to Christmas Day. We can even look back over our own lives and see how God’s plan is unfolding for us!
May the waning days of Advent be filled with thanksgiving and glad song! May we all trust in God’s goodness, even when we cannot perceive it. If God’s deep love rushed forward to meet our need more than two thousand years ago, how will it not do so again? So wait for him. Wait confidently, joyfully, for the One who is your help and salvation. Know that you are blessed, just as Mary was, for believing that God’s plans will be fulfilled (Luke 1:45). “Father, I believe you want to enjoy a close, intimate relationship with me. Let me hear your voice, know your forgiveness, and feel your love and compassion for me today.” Song of Songs 2:8-14; Luke 1:39-45
http://www.usccb.org/nab/122107.shtml
wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp?month=12&day=21&year=2007&x=9&y=6
http://www.wau.org/images/spacer.gif
Friday, December 21, 2007
Meditation
“The plan of the Lord stands forever; wise designs through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)
What is the plan of the Lord? Just this: to dwell with his people forever. To enjoy a close, intimate relationship with those whom he created. To share his love, hopes, and dreams with his people, and to have them share their time, thoughts, and experiences with him. His plan is to delight in—and be delighted by—his creation. To share his power and attributes with those whom he created in his image and likeness.
The plan has never changed. It has stood firm from the time of our first parents even today, and it will remain his intention until the very end of time. Sin didn’t obliterate it, for sin and its author, Satan, are not stronger than God. He alone has complete, unlimited, all-encompassing power. In fact, God always intended to send his Son to live with us and to raise us up to his presence. That intention didn’t change when we fell. The only change was that, once he came, the Son of God would sacrifice himself to restore our relationship with him. Having accomplished that on the cross, Jesus now continues to work tirelessly to bring God’s full plan to completion.
As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, we have every reason to rejoice and give thanks, for we can see how God’s plan has stood the test of time. We see that plan unfold in today’s Gospel reading, and we will see it continue to unfold as we draw closer to Christmas Day. We can even look back over our own lives and see how God’s plan is unfolding for us!
May the waning days of Advent be filled with thanksgiving and glad song! May we all trust in God’s goodness, even when we cannot perceive it. If God’s deep love rushed forward to meet our need more than two thousand years ago, how will it not do so again? So wait for him. Wait confidently, joyfully, for the One who is your help and salvation. Know that you are blessed, just as Mary was, for believing that God’s plans will be fulfilled (Luke 1:45). “Father, I believe you want to enjoy a close, intimate relationship with me. Let me hear your voice, know your forgiveness, and feel your love and compassion for me today.” Song of Songs 2:8-14; Luke 1:39-45
