From Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions (Oct/Nov/Dec 25)

Late Advent Weekday

2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 + Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29 + Luke 1:67-79

Be Another Bethlehem

Blessed be the Lord….

he has come to his people….  Luke 1:68

Getting ready for Christmas can be a hectic time: shopping, presents, decorations, preparing meals, travel and more.  It is all a bit exhausting.  In our busyness, it is easy to miss preparing for the coming of Jesus.

Christ is tomorrow.  Perhaps what is most important now is to set aside a few moments to pray.  Find a quiet place, and open your heart to Jesus.  Thank him for entertaining our world and our hearts.  Thank him for all he has done on the first Christmas and continues to do so.  Welcome him into the stable of your heart.

Jesus, I open my heart to you.  On this Christmas, come once again and remain in me.  May my heart be another Bethlehem, a stable for your presence.  Fill me, and this world, with your peace.

□ MSGR. Stephen J. Rossetti