Gospel for December 4 2022 – Matthew 3:1-12
Gospel Reflections for December 4 2022
Don’t miss Christmas!
You might think that’s impossible. The signs of Christmas are all around us, in stores, malls, billboards, and countless TV commercials letting us know where the best deals are.
There is no chance anyone will miss that Christmas day is coming!
But what about that first Christmas? People had been waiting for centuries for Our Lord to arrive and their biggest fear was that they might miss it! How would they know for sure that Jesus had come?
John the Baptist certainly gave a strong witness to Jesus in the Gospel. But there was an earlier sign as well.
The First Reading today gives a series of remarkable signs that would be unmistakable proof that God had fulfilled His promise to send His Son to us. When you see a lion lay down peacefully with a lamb, or a wolf walk calmly with a calf, look around …because these affirm that Jesus is here!
These animals are natural enemies and never would be together without violence. Clearly, only Our Lord could make this peaceful event happen.
Of course, the ancient readers understood these images figuratively, and knew they were actually about them. When people who have been enemies are finally at peace, it can only be because they have the spirit of the Lord within them. Our Lord is “born” in their heart.
Maybe you find this a stressful time filled with shopping, entertaining, and decorating. Without thinking you could inadvertently lose sight of the reason for the season which is the peaceful presence of Our Lord in your life. You might tragically miss the real Christmas!
Thank God for the Season of Advent, which is like an island of tranquility each year to remind you to slow down and reflect on how you are leading your life, how you are doing with God, and perhaps with which enemy you can find peace. Do not pass up this important time.
There is a year-round way you can connect with our faith every day and that is to tune in to Relevant Radio, a Catholic radio talk show on station KHJ, AM 930. You can also listen online at relevantradio.com. I recommend it.
The Season of Advent, and Relevant Radio can make sure you do not miss the real Christmas event, the coming of the saving power of Christ deep within your life.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you, Fr. Dave!
The hustle and bustle it’s starting to get me down and I do want to concentrate on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.
You are right about relevant radio! I suggest it to all my Catholic friends.. If anyone feels lonely, tune in to Relevant Radio and you will have an instant connection to your family in faith and you will be learning and growing in wisdom, too!
Yes, the great thing about Relevant Radio is that is available 24 hours a day!
This is a time to reflect on our lives and our relationship to Our Lord.
Here in the convalescent rehab place I see many who are not aware t seek God. We need to not only look at our life but encourage others to look to the future. Especially the aged.
For the short time I am here it has been a great journey going around asking Our Lord who He wants me to talk to today.
Yes, I hope we can all help others recognize and welcome the Lord into their life.