Saturday Third Week Advent

Philippians 2:9-11: God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

  PRAYER FOR THE DAY ...

Jesus, my Lord, your name is wonderful! Your sacrifice for our sin was so loving and kind. We are so thankful that our Father raised you from the dead and that through you; we will be able to be with God and worship you all of eternity! You are glorious, Infant Jesus my Lord! In your glorious name we bring this praise to God. Amen.

  Today's Readings ... (December 17, 2011)

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2,3-4ab,7-8,17
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17
Lectionary: 193
Colour: Purple

  Meditation on Today's Gospel: (Matthew 1:1-17)

When Jacob blessed his sons he predicted that Judah would receive the promise of Crowned Heads which we see fulfilled in David. We can also see in this blessing a prophesy of God's fulfillment in raising up his anointed King, Jesus. Jesus is the completion of all God's promises. He is the expectation not only for the people of the Old Covenant but for all nations as well. He is the Savior of the world who saves us from slavery of sin and Satan and makes us citizens of the kingdom of God. In him we get acceptance into a royal priesthood and holy nation as sons and daughters of the living God. Do we recognize your spiritual descendants and do you accept God as your Father and Jesus as the Supreme Ruler King and Lord of our life? Do we know who your ancestors were, where they came from, and what they passed on from their generation to the next? Matthew's family tree of Jesus draws his lineage from Abraham, the father of God's chosen people, during the line of David, King of Israel. Jesus the Messiah is the straight descent of Abraham and David, and the fair heir to David's throne. God in his mercy satisfied his promises to Abraham and to David that he would send a Savior and a King to rule greater than the house of Israel and to deliver them from their rivals.

Yesterday:	Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Tomorrow:	Fourth Sunday of Advent