Christmas day

Our readings for Christmas Day are:

1. Isaiah 52: 7-10
2. Psalms 98, 1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
3. Hebrews 1: 1-6
4. John 1: 1-18

1. Announcing the good news
• What about your life tells others of "Good news"?
• Do you see any opportunities to bring Christ back into Christmas?
• If you wanted to tell someone to "come and see" Christ in action, where would you take them?
• Why?
2. The joy of the Lord
• What gives you joy?
• What things do you think give God joy?
• If you had a godly joy, would that be taken away by misfortune, setbacks, other people lying about you, ...?
• Why is this godly joy so impervious to disaster?
3. Revelation
• Do you think that Jesus' entire life and ministry can be captured entirely in words?
• If not, how are we to teach others those parts of His ministry/life that go beyond mere words?
• Who do you see doing that teaching toda?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Under what circumstances might I be willing to admit that I'm Catholic?
2. What do I have to rejoice in this week?  Have I told anyone?
3. What have I done this week to get closer to Jesus?
4. What parts of me are still not under Christ's dominion?

Canticle of King David

From across the gulf of expectant centuries I greet you

Fulfillment of the promise of my line.

Where I was but a faint shadow of your greatness

My reign could only point to your kingdom.

My God, our father be praised through all time

For the courage it is now taking

To trust the fate of all humanity, past, present and future

On humanity's ability to see you.

In my glory, there was no mistaking my entrance.

My armies were my advance team.

But you, you come among the poor and forgotten

With barely a whisper in the desert to hail you.

I dwelt in a magnificent house of cedar.

And your first home is a stable.

You and you alone have seen what true kingship is.

And I pray that my life find fulfillment in yours.

Merry Christmas to all of you!