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Gifts for the True Star
Herod needs to be the star, and he will eliminate any competition. The Wise Men have wound the true Star. They also teach us that we have a gift to give. Every Sunday at Mass, we present our gifts to our King, our God, the healer of our ills.
A Mother's Authority
God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. (Sirach 3:2) As our new year begins, let us learn to exercise the authority we have in Christ, while we also live within the protection of Mary's authority.
Joseph's Secret to Being a Great Father
Herod has all the king's horses and all the king's men. Joseph has a donkey. Yet Joseph manages to beat Herod the Great. He does not rely on his own strength, wisdom, or abilities, but on God. Joseph is a great father because he is a great son!
The Only Gift That Will Save You
Many of us will leave Jesus at church and not take him home with us because he doesn't fit our expectations or our lifestyle choices. But only this gift can save you. Jimmy finds out the hard way what a good gift really looks like.
A Sign That God Is With Us
King Ahaz faces a complicated and difficult political situation. He doesn't need a plan, strategy, or powerful allies because God is with him. The answer to your prayers is not a gift tucked under a Christmas tree; it is Jesus himself, God-with-us.
Waiting In Joyful Hope
We can get discouraged when God doesn't act promptly. We might think that God isn't listening or doesn't care. We need to wait in joyful hope for God to act. Our Lady of Guadalupe reminds us that when God acts, it will be worth the wait.
The Most Perfect Gift
Thanks to original sin, every child is perfect and precious and also rather annoying. And we make things worse with our sinful choices. So when God wanted to send the most perfect gift, he made Mary precious and beautiful and without original sin.
Be Ready With This One Simple Habit
Winter was coming, but were you prepared? Advent was coming, were you ready? Jesus is coming; are you prepared to meet him? Before bedtime, take three simple steps: Gratitude, Contrition, and Resolution.