3rd Day NOVENA PRAYER FOR WHOLE YEAR AHEAD INTENTIONS

Novena To The Mother of Perpetual Help 

Day 3

OPENING PRAYER

O Mary, Mother of Perpetual help, I salute thee with the filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself, and all I have, to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession.

In all my necessities I have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy. I beseech thee now to hear my prayer and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this novena.

( Here mention your petition)

Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother of Perpetual Help, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, purity, submission to the will of God, and charity.

Be my protector in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in difficulties, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in Heaven. AMEN.

Day 3 Prayer

O MOTHER of my GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST, thou art indeed my true Mother, and I am indeed thy child. What happiness for me thus to think of thee, and to be able to call thee my Mother. O Queen of Angels, the title of Child of Mary is more glorious in my eyes, and more sweet to me than all the great titles so boasted of in the world. To be called thy child is dearer to me by far than the honor and dignity of any name on earth. But alas! how utterly unworthy I am of a holy a Mother, who might well be ashamed of such a child as I am.

Thou art pure as light, pious, humble, full of charity and sweetness; thy heart is as a furnace of divine love: and I am stained with countless sins, attached to earth, proud, harsh to my brethren, and cold towards my GOD. O my Mother, I detest my iniquities . . . obtain pardon for me: I groan under my miseries, and I spread them before thy pitying eyes, that thou may cure them.

Make them somewhat like to thee, save me from my evil inclinations, particularly from . . . Mother of GOD, grow not weary at my crying, turn not away thy face from me because I am so defiled; but put an end to my importunity by helping me speedily... for, till thou hast heard me, I will not cease to cry to thee. O my Mother, my Mother Mary, come to my help. Be thou my Mother, and make me thy worthy child. AMEN.

Recite 3 Hail Mary's for the favor you seek to obtain.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.

THE SERENITY PRAYER

Serenity Prayer

---

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change; 
courage to change the things I can; 
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 
enjoying one moment at a time; 
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it; 
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will; 
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next. 
Amen.

2nd Day NOVENA PRAYER FOR WHOLE YEAR AHEAD INTENTIONS

Novena To The Mother of Perpetual Help 

Day 2

OPENING PRAYER

O Mary, Mother of Perpetual help, I salute thee with the filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself, and all I have, to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession.

In all my necessities I have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy. I beseech thee now to hear my prayer and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this novena.

( Here mention your petition)

Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother of Perpetual Help, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, purity, submission to the will of God, and charity.

Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in difficulties, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in Heaven. AMEN.

Day 2 Prayer

Blessed forever be our God Who had made thee, O Mary, so powerful, so compassionate and so ready to help. What would become of us, poor sinners, without thee? With what face, after having so often deserved disgrace and punishment, could we go before our sovereign Judge, and ask of Him, not only pardon, but favors, and share in eternal glory? Blessed be thou too, O clement Queen, for having so often interposed between divine justice and me, thy most unworthy client, for having turned away God's anger from me, and for having obtained for me so many graces.

HOW SWEET it is to think that by thy peerless beauty, O Holy Virgin, though hast ravished the heart, not of any earthy monarch, but of the King of kings, and the Creator of the universe! Thus wert thou deemed worthy to be the Mother of the Incarnate Word, the dispensatrix of His grace, and the cause of our joy. And now, enthroned at the right hand of thy Son, thou drawest to thee the hearts of all the Saints, and Angels in heaven and of the just on earth. I rejoice to see thee of all creatures the most beloved, since of all others thou art the most worthy of love. But, I beseech thee, O glorious Queen, forget me not, poor exile that I am, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Remember that thou art raised on high to be able the better to see those who suffer here below, and that thou art made so powerful to help us the more readily. Thou knowest, O Mary! how I am constantly assailed by enemies from without, and by temptations from within. Be thou my Perpetual Help: watch over me continually, or I shall be lost. And when through frailty I fail actually to call upon thee in danger, receive the intention I now make of doing so. May this be ever the habitual cry of my heart . Mother of Perpetual Help, forget me not. AMEN.

Recite 3 Hail Marys for the favor you seek to obtain.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.

1st Day NOVENA PRAYER FOR WHOLE YEAR AHEAD INTENTIONS

Novena To The Mother of Perpetual Help 

Day 1

OPENING PRAYER

O Mary, Mother of Perpetual help, I salute thee with the filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself, and all I have, to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession.

In all my necessities I have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy. I beseech thee now to hear my prayer and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this novena.

( Here mention your petition)

Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother of Perpetual Help, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, purity, submission to the will of God, and charity.

Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in difficulties, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in Heaven. AMEN.

Day 1 Prayer

Blessed forever be our God Who had made thee, O Mary, so powerful, so compassionate and so ready to help. What would become of us, poor sinners, without thee? With what face, after having so often deserved disgrace and punishment, could we go before our sovereign Judge, and ask of Him, not only pardon, but favors, and share in eternal glory?

Blessed be thou too, O clement Queen, for having so often interposed between divine justice and me, thy most unworthy client, for having turned away God's anger from me, and for having obtained for me so many graces.

These graces are my desires for those I may and ought still to hope for from thy Perpetual Help. Hence for the time to come, whenever I feel more painfully the weight of my unworthiness, when all seems lost, and I am tempted even to despair, then especially, full of confidence, will I invoke thy blessed name. I will make my misery a claim on thy mercy. I will believe that if God lets me feel my weakness, it is to force me to cast myself into the arms of His mercy and upon thee, my sweet and only hope.

Deign to remember this resolution in my time of need, and grant that I may be faithful to it, till my last breath. And the Most Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may never cease to have recourse to thee. AMEN.

Recite 3 Hail Marys for the favor you seek to obtain.

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us.

Powerful Litany & Novena for an infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer to the Power of all Powers, the Wind of God, the Holy Spirit.

Powerful Litany & Novena for an infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all-powerful, have mercy on us. Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us. Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, hear us. Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us. Author of all good, [etc.] Source of heavenly water Consuming fire Ardent charity Spiritual unction Spirit of love and truth Spirit of wisdom and understanding Spirit of counsel and fortitude Spirit of knowledge and piety Spirit of the fear of the Lord Spirit of grace and prayer Spirit of peace and meekness Spirit of modesty and innocence Holy Spirit, the Comforter Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier Holy Spirit, Who governest the Church Gift of God, the Most High Spirit Who fillest the universe Spirit of the adoption of the children of God Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Spirit, engrave Thy law in our hearts. Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Thy graces. Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well. Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation. Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice. Holy Spirit, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let us pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. R. Amen. == Will you please pray a decade of the Rosary/ short prayer to support this ministry! Thank You & God Bless You!
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SIN IS NOT DETERMINED BY THE MAJORITY

Prayer To The Blessed Mother Mary

THE THREE HAIL MARY NOVENA

Oh, Immaculate Mary, Virgin most Powerful, I beseech you, through that immense Power which you have received from the Eternal Father, obtain for me Purity of heart, - Strength to overcome all the enemies of my soul; -and the special favor I implore in my present necessity:

(Name It)

Mother most pure! Forsake me not, despise not my prayer, graciously hear me for God's glory, your honor, and the welfare of my soul.

To obtain this favor I honor your Power by reciting:
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.
Amen.

Oh Virgin Mary, My Mother, through that ineffable Wisdom bestowed upon you by the Incarnate Word of God, I humbly beseech you, obtain for me Meekness and humility of heart; - a perfect knowledge of the divine Will and strength to accomplish it always.

Oh Mary, Seat of Wisdom; as a tender Mother lead me in the path of Christian Virtue and perfection; enlighten and enable me to do what is most pleasing to your beloved Son. and obtain my petition.

To obtain this grace I honor your Wisdom by reciting:
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.
Amen.

Oh, Mother of Mercy, Mother of penitent sinners, I stand before you sinful and sorrowful, beseeching you through the immense Love given to you by the Holy Spirit for us poor sinners, obtain for me true and perfect contrition for my sins, which I hate and detest with all my heart, because I love God.

Mother most Merciful, help me in my present necessity.
Turn, then those eyes of Mercy toward us, Oh Clement, Oh Loving oh Sweet Virgin Mary!

To obtain this precious gift, I honor Your Loving Mercy by reciting:
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death.
Amen.

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Patron Saint of the Impossible: Saint Rita of Cascia

🌸 FEELING HOPELESS? 

🌸 St. Rita of Cascia: Patron Saint of the Impossible

Saint Rita of Cascia is an Augustinian nun from 14th-century Cascia, Italy. She is the patroness of impossible causes and hopeless circumstances because of her difficult and disappointing life.


Through her trials God used her in remarkable ways. Now she assists from heaven those who plead for her intercession for their own seemingly impossible and hopeless circumstances.

THE LIFE OF ST. RITA OF CASCIA

From an early age St. Rita desired to become a nun, but her parents insisted that she marry. Out of obedience to her parents' wishes, St. Rita entered an arranged marriage at the age of twelve. Adding to her disappointment, her husband was cruel and harsh; she spent eighteen years in a very difficult relationship. Her husband eventually became physically abusive, yet Rita met his cruelty with kindness and patience. After many years of prayer, patience, and trust in God, she eventually won her husband over to greater civility and kindness. She also bore two sons whom she loved deeply.


In the 14th century, Italy was rampant with warring families caught in a vicious circle of assassinations and bloody vendettas (think Romeo and Juliet). St. Rita's family was caught up in this strife that was so entrenched in society at that time. Her husband was murdered as a result of the infamous rivalry between the aristocratic families of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. St. Rita mourned her husband's death and interceded for his soul with great earnest.


Rita's two young sons, in keeping with the vice of the day, talked of avenging their father's death. She did all she could to guide her children into forgiveness, but was unable to dissuade them from their evil intentions of violence and revenge. Prayer was her only hope. She pleaded with God that he would prevent the evil swelling up in the hearts of her sons, or allow them to die before they had the chance to commit a mortal sin and be separated from God forever in hell.


God granted her prayers. Both of her sons fell sick and died within a year, and in a state of grace; God intervened and prevented them from following the evil path of their father.


After the death of her husband and her two sons, St. Rita was all alone in the world. She again sought to enter the convent, as had been her desire from childhood. However, she was turned away because of her family's association with the civil strife; some of the sisters living in the convent were family relations of the men who were responsible for killing her husband. To maintain peace in the convent, she was denied entry.


St. Rita, again facing crushing disappointment and yet another impossible situation, had recourse to prayer and the intercession of the saints. St. Rita's sincerity and spirit of charity and forgiveness prevailed, and she was eventually granted entry into the convent. She became known as a holy and prayerful nun, often meditating on the sufferings of the crucified Christ.


One day, while praying before a crucifix, St. Rita received a visible wound on her forehead. This was a mystical yet visible mark (stigmata) of Jesus' wound from the crown of thorns, symbolizing St. Rita's unity with Christ in his sufferings. She also enjoyed many mystical experiences with Christ during the forty years she lived in the convent. She died on May 22 when she was in her seventies.

LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ST. RITA

St. Rita certainly had a difficult life, yet her heartbreaking circumstances drove her to prayer and helped her to become a holy woman. She began her work of intercession for sinners while she lived, starting with those closest to her heart. Through her love and prayers she won the grace of conversion for her husband and both of her sons.


Although her life was filled with sorrows and disappointments, Rita persevered through her trials and was consoled by closely uniting herself with the sufferings of Christ. And he did not abandon her; rather he granted her profound and intimate graces. Now a saint in heaven, she helps those who are in great need, just as she once was in her earthly life.


St. Rita of Cascia is the patron saint of impossible causes, sterility, abuse victims, loneliness, marriage difficulties, parenthood, widows, the sick, and bodily ills and wounds. She is also one of the Church's incorruptible saints; her body is venerated at the basilica named for her in Cascia, Italy.


If you are facing a difficult or impossible life circumstance, you can have recourse to prayer after the example of St. Rita. Below is a prayer to St. Rita as well as a novena (to be prayed over the course of nine days for a special intention).


PRAYER TO ST. RITA

O Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita, whose pleadings before thy Divine Lord are almost irresistible, who for thy lavishness in granting favors hast been called the Advocate of the Hopeless and even of the Impossible; St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so mortified, so patient and of such compassionate love for thy Crucified Jesus that thou couldst obtain from Him whatsoever thou askest, on account of which all confidently have recourse to thee expecting, if not always relief, at least comfort; be propitious to our petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy suppliant; be lavish to us, as thou hast been in so many wonderful cases, for the greater glory of God, for the spreading of thine own devotion, and for the consolation of those who trust in thee.


We promise, if our petition is granted, to glorify thee by making known thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we pray thee grant that [here mention your request].


By the singular merits of thy childhood,

Obtain for us our request.


By thy perfect union with the Divine Will,

Obtain for us our request.


By thy heroic sufferings during thy married life,

Etc. [repeat Obtain for us our request after each line]


By the consolation thou didst experience at the conversion of thy husband,


By the sacrifice of thy children rather than see them grievously offend God,


By the miraculous entrance into the convent,


By thy severe penances and thrice daily bloody scourgings,


By the suffering caused by the wound thou didst receive from the thorn of thy Crucified Savior,


By the Divine love which consumed thy heart,


By that remarkable devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, on which alone thou didst exist for four years,


By the happiness with which thou didst part from thy trials to join thy Divine Spouse,


By the perfect example thou gavest to people of every state of life.


Pray for us, O holy St. Rita, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.


LET US PRAY.


O God, Who in Thine infinite tenderness hast vouchsafed to regard the prayer of Thy servant, Blessed Rita, and dost grant to her supplication that which is impossible to human foresight, skill and efforts, in reward of her compassionate love and firm reliance on Thy promise, have pity on our adversity and succor us in our calamities, that the unbeliever may know Thou art the recompense of the humble, the defense of the helpless, and the strength of those who trust in Thee, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.


NOVENA TO ST. RITA

O holy protectress of those who art in greatest need, thou who shineth as a star of hope in the midst of darkness, blessed Saint Rita, bright mirror of God's grace, in patience and fortitude thou art a model of all the states in life.
I unite my will with the will of God through the merits of my Savior Jesus Christ, and in particular through his patient wearing of the crown of thorns, which with tender devotion thou didst daily contemplate.
Through the merits of the holy Virgin Mary and thine own graces and virtues, I ask thee to obtain my earnest petition, provided it be for the greater glory of God and my own sanctification.

Guide and purify my intention, O holy protectress and advocate, so that I may obtain the pardon of all my sins and the grace to persevere daily, as thou didst in walking with courage, generosity, and fidelity down the path of life. [Mention your request.]

Saint Rita, advocate of the impossible, pray for us.

Saint Rita, advocate of the helpless, pray for us.

Recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be three times each.

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Reflection For The Day

The Prophetess Anna

Anna or Anna the Prophetess is a woman mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. According to that Gospel, she was an elderly woman of the Tribe of Asher who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem. She appears in Luke 2:36–38 during the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Wikipedia

Full name: Anna

Died: 1st century

Parents: Phanuel

Born: 1st century BC

Feast: 3 February; 1 September and 16 February

Monday, December 30, 2019Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Readings for Today

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.  She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.  And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.  Luke 2:36-38

Today, the sixth day of the Octave of Christmas, we honor the prophetess Anna.  She spent her days in the temple worshipping God day and night.  She anticipated the coming Messiah and, by a personal and special revelation from God, recognized His presence as He was presented by Mary and Joseph.

How did Anna know that this was the Messiah?  How did she know that this little Child was the one whom all were awaiting?  Somehow she knew and she rejoiced in this knowledge.

What’s beautiful about Anna’s response is that she did not keep her joy to herself.  Rather, when she saw the Christ Child, she “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”  There is little doubt that her prophetic words were filled with joy and were also quite authoritative.  She would have spoken as one who knew the truth of this Child and as one who eagerly wanted to tell everyone about Him.

There is a great lesson for each one of us in Anna’s encounter with Jesus.  When You encounter our Lord in your life of faith and prayer, do you then eagerly desire to share your faith with others?  Perhaps it is by your words, but perhaps it’s more often by your witness.  

The bottom line is that the true meaning of Christmas must be shared.  It must be proclaimed far and wide so that all will understand the joy of the coming of the Savior of the World.  

Reflect, today, upon Anna the prophetess.  Try to imagine the joy in her heart as she spoke of this newborn King.  And pray that her joy and prophetic example will inspire you to continually proclaim the Lord to all whom God puts in your path.

Lord, may I always remember the reason for Christmas.  May I always keep the joy of Your coming among us at the center of my celebration.  You, dear Lord, are the greatest Gift ever given.  I thank You for Your life and I pray that You will help me to share the Gift of Yourself with others.  Jesus, I trust in You.

The Christmas Novena OF Saint Andrew

Even though it is quite late, I still would like to share this beautiful prayer for Christmas.

The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena, often called the "Christmas Novena" or the "Christmas Anticipation Prayer," starts at December 1,the feast day of Saint Andrew! It is a beautiful and powerful prayer that you pray 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30) until Christmas. This beautiful prayer takes only a few minutes to pray every day, and is a great way to help focus your attention on the Advent season, as we await the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.

If you've never prayed this before, today is the perfect day to start! Just pray it slowly, really meditating on the words. You can say the 15 prayers throughout the day, or all at once. Remember to mention your intentions.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena:

"Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my request (mention your intentions here), through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen."

The Real Meaning Of Christmas

What is the real meaning of Christmas?

Colossians 1:15-20; 1 John 4:2

The answer may just surprise you.

For many, Christmas is the time to think of Jesus Christ as a baby in a manger. While the birth of Christ is a special and miraculous event, it isn't the primary focus. The central truth of the Christmas story is this: the Child of Christmas is God.

God in a Manger
Christmas is not about the Savior's infancy; it is about His deity. The humble birth of Jesus Christ was never intended to conceal the reality that God was being born into the world.

But the modern world's version of Christmas does just that. And consequently for the greater part of humanity, Christmas has no legitimate meaning at all.

I don't suppose anyone can ever fathom what it means for God to be born in a manger. How does one explain the Almighty stooping to become a tiny infant? Our minds cannot begin to understand what was involved in God's becoming man.

Nor can anyone explain how God could become a baby. Yet He did. Without forsaking His divine nature or diminishing His deity, He was born into our world as a tiny infant.

He was fully human, with all the needs and emotions that are common to us all. Yet He was also fully God--all wise and all powerful.

For nearly 2,000 years, debate has been raging about who Jesus really is. Cults and skeptics have offered various explanations. They'll say He is one of many gods, a created being, a high angel, a good teacher, a prophet, and so on. The common thread of all such theories is that they make Jesus less than God. But the biblical evidence is overwhelming that this child in the manger was the incarnation of God.

One passage in particular, written by the apostle Paul, captures the essence of Jesus' divine nature and underscores the truths that make Christmas truly wonderful.

Colossians 1:15-20 says,

He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation. For. . . all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

A Ghostly Illusion?
Paul was writing to the Christians at Colossae. The city was under the influence of what came to be known as gnosticism. Its adherents fancied themselves the only ones who had access to the truth, which they believed was so complex that common people couldn't know it. Among other things, they taught philosophical dualism--the idea that matter is evil and spirit is good. They believed that because God is spirit, He is good, but He could never touch matter, which is evil.

Therefore they also concluded that God couldn't be the creator of the physical universe, because if God made matter, He would be responsible for evil. And they taught that God could never become a man, because as a man He would have to dwell in a body made of evil matter.

Those pre-gnostics explained away the incarnation by saying that Jesus was a good angel whose body was only an illusion. That teaching and others like it pervaded the early church; many of the New Testament epistles specifically refute pre-gnostic ideas. In fact, the apostle John attacked the foundation of gnostic teaching when he wrote "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God" (1 John 4:2).

The apostle Paul refuted that same heresy when he wrote, "By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created by Him and for Him" (1:16). He specifically affirmed that Jesus is God in the flesh--the Creator of everything.

Like Father, Like Son
Ironically, some of the cults that deny Jesus' deity try to use Colossians 1:15 20 to support their view. They suggest, for example, that the phrase "the image of the invisible God" (v. 15) hints that Jesus was merely a created being who bore the image of God in the same sense as all humanity. But the truth is though we were created in God's likeness, we only resemble Him. Jesus, on the other hand, is God's exact image.

The Greek word translated "image" means a perfect replica, a precise copy, a duplicate. Paul was saying that God Himself is fully manifest in the Person of His Son, who is none other than Jesus Christ. He is the exact image of God. Jesus Himself said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).

Hebrews 1 parallels Colossians 1:15-20 at a number of key points. Regarding the statement that Christ is the image of God, for example, Hebrews 1:3 makes an identical affirmation: "He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature." Christ is to God as the warm brilliance of light is to the sun. He brings God from a cosmic location to the very hearts of men and women. He gives light and life. He reveals God's very essence. They cannot be divided, and neither has ever existed without the other--they are one (John 10:30).

Scripture repeatedly says that God is invisible (John 1:18; 5:37; 1 Timothy 1:17; and Colossians 1:15). But through Christ the invisible God has been made visible. God's full likeness is revealed in Him. Colossians 1:19 takes the truth a step further: "It was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him." He is not just an outline of God; He is fully God. Colossians 2:9 is even more explicit: "In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form." Nothing is lacking. No attribute is absent. He is God in the fullest possible sense, the perfect image.

The Rightful Heir
In Colossians 1:15 Paul says Jesus is "the first born of all creation." Those who reject the deity of Christ have made much of that phrase, assuming it means Jesus was a created being. But the word translated "first born" describes Jesus' rank, not His origin. The first-born in a Hebrew family was the heir, the ranking one, the one who had the right of inheritance. And in a royal family, he had the right to rule.

So Christ is the One who inherits all creation and the right to rule over it. It doesn't mean He was born first in order, for He wasn't.

In Psalm 89:27 God says of David, "I also shall make him My first born, the highest of the kings of the earth." There the meaning of "first born" is given in plain language: "the highest of the kings of the earth." That's what first-born means--Christ is "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 17:16).

Hebrews 1 again has a parallel statement. Verse two says God has appointed His Son "heir of all things." He is the primary One, the Son who has the right to the inheritance, the ranking Person, the Lord of all, heir of all creation.

Creator and King
The claim that "first born" means Christ is a created being completely ignores the context of Colossians 1:15. Remember, you've already seen verses 16 17 explicitly name Him as Creator of everything. Christ is not part of creation; He is the Creator, the very arm of God, active from the beginning in calling the universe and all creatures into existence. John 1:3 says, "All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being." That could not be true if He were Himself a created being.

Hebrews 1:2 also identifies Christ as the Creator. Christ was the Person of the Trinity through whom the world was made and for whom it was fashioned.

The size of the universe is incomprehensible.

Who made all that? Some scientists say there was this big explosion that eventually formed a primordial swamp, and ... Science cannot explain it. God created it all.

Who?

The babe in Bethlehem. He made everything.

Prayer of Thanksgiving To God For Unconditional Love

Dear Lord, I thank you for your love for me and 

for seeing beyond my faults and weaknesses.

Help me to be slow to speak and quick to listen.

Help me to show to others, the same grace,

compassion and mercy that you show to me.

Help me to love with your love and to be a 

source of encouragement to all around me.

I commit this day to you and all that’s in it.

In Jesus’ name I ask these things. Amen. 

Prayer after an Earthquake

A Prayer after an Earthquake

Creator God, at times such as this,
when we realised that the ground beneath our feet is not as solid as we had imagined, we plead for your mercy.

As the things we have built crumble,
we know too well how small we truly are on this ever-changing, ever-moving,
fragile planet we call home.

Yet you have promised never to forget us.
Do not forget us now.

Today, so many people are afraid.
They wait in fear of the next tremor.
They hear the cries of the injured amid the rubble.|
They roam the streets in shock at what they see.
And they fill the dusty air with wails of grief and the names of missing dead.

Comfort them, O God, in this disaster.
Be their rock when the earth refuses to stand still,
and shelter them under your wings when homes and offices no longer exist.

Embrace in your arms those who died so suddenly.
Console the hearts of those who mourn,
and ease the pain of bodies on the brink of death.

Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion, we who watch from afar,
as our friends and relatives experience misery upon misery.

Move us to act swiftly this day,
to give generously every day, to work for justice always,
and to pray unceasingly for those without hope.

And once the shaking has ceased,
the images of destruction have stopped filing the news,
and our thoughts return to life’s daily rumblings,
let us not forget that we are all your children
and they, our sisters and brothers.

We are all the work of your hands.
For though the mountains leave their place and the hills be tossed to the ground,
your love shall never leave us and your promise of peace will never be shaken.

Lord, show us your mercy and love,

And grant us your salvation.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth,

Blessed be the name of the Lord,

Now and forever. Amen.

THE MOST IMPORTANT CONVERSATION OF THE DAY

Prayer is an invocation or act that seeks to activate a rapport with an object of worship through deliberate communication. In the narrow sense, the term refers to an act of supplication or intercession directed towards a deity (a god), or a deified ancestorPrayer - Wikipedia

What is prayer? 

Prayer is our direct line with heaven. Prayer is a communication process that allows us to talk to God! He wants us to communicate with Him, like a person-to-person phone call. Cell phones and other devices have become a necessity to some people in today’s society. We have bluetooth devices, blackberries, and talking computers! These are means of communication that allow two or more people to interact, discuss, and respond to one another.

Pray with faith. “So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Pray with worship and reverence. “Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!” (Psalm 99:5). “‘Yes, Lord,’ the man said, ‘I believe!’ And he worshiped Jesus” (John 9:38).

You will know with confidence that God can hear you when you pray, so open that line of communication! Pray, knowing that no matter how far you roam, your connection with Him can never be lost!With expectation that He is going to deliver. “Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3). “I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray” (Psalm 17:6).

Powerful Prayer to Saint Anthony, The Miracle Worker

Say this Powerful Prayer to Saint Anthony, the Miracle Worker NOW!

Provided it is said in faith and for a particular spiritual benefit...

St. Anthony of Padua is known by many as a miracle-worker. A countless number of people over the centuries have prayed to him in faith and have received a miraculous response to their prayers.

Similar to the “Unfailing Prayer to St. Joseph,” this prayer to St. Anthony, according to many, “has never been known to fail, provided that the request is for one’s spiritual benefit or for those whom we are praying for.”

It is important to remember God always answers our prayers. His response may not always be what we expected or wanted, but he always grants us exactly what we need.

Here is the Unfailing Prayer to St. Anthony that many continue to pray with a deep trust that God will provide for them in their need.

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms. The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Amen.

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Gospel Reading For December 8

The Feast Of The Immaculate Conception- The Annunciation

Daily Gospel Readings
Announcement Of The Angel To Mary's Conception
'The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.'
Luke 1:26-38