"For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord."

Luke 2:11

JOY (Jesus over You) to the world, the Lord is born! Merry Christmas! Jesus in not only over you (JOY), he is over all the world. He is everywhere and reigns over sin and death and all that keeps us from God and each other.

At the end of a recent spontaneous prayer with a mother and her two younger boys, one of the boys quipped to me, "You should bow your head when you say God's name."" Yep, it is all of God's children who help me to get it right. It is definitely a point to ponder. I did not ask why but I think the boy was reminding me to have awe and respect for God and that can be shown by bowing your head when you pronounce his name.

We US citizens spent $450 billion on gifts this Christmas. It is obvious that we bow before our malls. But what has the mall ever done for anyone?

Bowing before the Lord? Will I do that, at least in my heart, every time I hear his name whether it is said in honor or vein? Will I bow before Jesus in prayer each day? Will I humble myself before him in every person I meet and as I lookout over all creation?

We pray: "Lord Jesus, you are Emmanuel- 'God with us'. You are always with us! You came as one of us to save all of us. We bow before you with our lives to rejoice forever more in your gift of salvation. Teach us to bow before you as you pour forth your salvation to us in all times and all places. We believe that you have come to seek and save the lost! Save us, Lord Jesus, save us! Amen"

+Fr. John

Thank you for journeying with me for Advent 2008! May Jesus gain greater territory in you and all those you meet. Let us grow in prayer and love. You are loved!

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