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But the path to salvation is not “upward mobility,” but rather “downward humility.” Christian maturity consists in “growing up” enough to become a child, dependent on and totally confident in God. To be “saved,” is to become a child. 

Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

1 John 2:18-21

Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

J ohn 1:1-18  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God; (3) all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. (4) In him was life, and the life was the light of men. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (7) He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. (8) He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. (9) The true light that enlightens every man was coming into the world. (10) He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. (11) He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. (12) But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; (13) who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (14) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. (15) (John bore witness to him, and cried, "This was he of whom I said, `He who comes after me ranks before me, for he was before me. '") (16) And from his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace. (17) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (18) No one has ever seen God; the only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.

Meditation by Rev Richard Gabuzda, S.J.

As the days of the Christmas Octave draw to a close, we are privileged to hear the moving Prologue of the Gospel of John.  Among the many stately phrases that pour out one after the other, I am struck by the following:  “But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God.”

Having power to become a child—it is a curious phrase.  We normally do not associate the words “power” and “child.”  Yet, it is the heart of the Christian mystery.  Incapable of saving ourselves, we need a savior.  But the path to salvation is not “upward mobility,” but rather “downward humility.”  Christian maturity consists in “growing up” enough to become a child, dependent on and totally confident in God.  To be “saved,” is to become a child. 

And this must come from a power that does not originate within us. The power comes through the choice to “accept him” – to say “yes” to being saved, rescued, by the Word made flesh, the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  We must be born “of God.”

And so Christmas is surely about a birth, in Bethlehem long ago.  But just as surely it is about many births, the births of all those who accept Jesus and consent to be born again as children.

Supplementary Reading

Make Plans for the Next Victory

Now, therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day ... – Joshua 14:12

In the Bible, Caleb helped lead the people of Israel into their Promised Land. But scripture tells us that Caleb didn’t just stop there. In fact, when he was 80 years old he said, “God, give me another mountain.” He was saying, “God give me something else to do. Give me another assignment.” Notice, he was planning on living out his life in victory. He could have said, “God, just let me retire. Man, my back’s hurting. I can hardly see anymore. Medicare wouldn’t pay that latest prescription. I’m so aggravated.” No, he was strong. He was energetic; he was ready for the next challenge.

Friend, no matter how old or how young you are, God has another assignment for you. You wouldn’t be here if God didn’t have a purpose for you. I believe that this next year is going to be your best ever. Why don’t you make plans for another victory! Make plans to increase in influence, abundance and favor. Choose today to live full of joy, peace, strength and health and take a step of faith into the life of blessing He has in store for you!

Father in heaven, thank You for creating me and giving my life purpose. Help me discover the gifts and talents You’ve placed within me so that I can use them for Your glory. Thank You for another victory in this New Year. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. - Joel & Victoria Osteen # # #

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU. – Bobot Apit

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