Moonless darkness stands between.
Past, the Past, no more be seen!
But the Bethlehem star may lead me
To the sight of Him Who freed me
From the self that I have been.
Make me pure, Lord: You are Holy;
Make me meek, Lord: You were lowly;
Now beginning, and always,
Now begin, on Christmas day.
December 25, 2018
December 24, 2018
The joy of Christmas is for everyone – for those who are faithful, loving and giving; for those who are indifferent or hostile; for those who have turned away and walk no more to the stable at Bethlehem. The Child comes for all.
December 24, 2018
God our Father,
every year we rejoice
as we look forward to this feast of our salvation.
May we welcome Christ as our Redeemer,
and meet Him with confidence
when He comes to be our judge,
who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
forever and ever.
Amen.
December 23, 2018
Stir up Your might, we beg You, O Lord,
and come, so that we may escape through Your protection
and be saved by Your help from the dangers
that threaten us because of our sins.
December 22, 2018
Loving God, help me to find time
in the frantic moments of each day
to become centered on You.
Walking through a store,
riding on the bus,
hurrying down a street:
let each of these times be moments
when I can remember Your incredible love for me
and rejoice in it.
Amen.
December 21, 2018
Dear Doctor and Defender of the Church,
composer of books which have taught
and inspired countless persons in many lands.
Help those who compose catechisms
to communicate the true teachings of Christ
in ways that can be understood by our contemporaries
so that they will be moved to follow Jesus.
Amen.
December 20, 2018
Greetings to ALL! I hope all is well. Just a few thoughts to share as we celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas!
December 20, 2018
Lord, help me to keep a balance this season.
Let me keep my buying in perspective,
not to spend more than I need to or can afford.
Let me not give in to the pressures of this world
and not equate love with money spent.
Let me always remember the many people
who have so much less in material things.
Help me to buy wisely,
December 19, 2018
Dear God, as I look through my gift shopping list,
I hold up to You each person listed on it.
Slowly, one by one, I ask that the fire of
Your abundant love burn within each of them.
I pray that the gift I find for each person
will bring joy into that life.
And, I pray that I may be worthy
of Your love during this Holy of season.
December 18, 2018
Lord, give me a positive outlook on life.
Help me to lessen the stress and anxiety in the world.
May Your Spirit empower me to offer
comfort rather than complaints;
to speak tenderly rather than angrily;
to seek Your presence rather than
wander aimlessly on my own.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.