Episode 2803: The Ever-Present Christ and the Christmas Mystery - Morning Episode

December 23: O Emmanuel (O God with Us)
Translation:
O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver,
the Desire of the nations and their Savior:
come and save us, O Lord our God.

Sign up for "Word Made Flesh"
https://forms.gle/tuzqrhTXTZQuf7VH9
You can join via zoom. Please attend. I promise it will help you focus during the Advent season and make Christ the reason for the Season.
Nightly Zoom Coordinates for Rosary:
Meeting ID: 865 8978 0399
Passcode: Wjjv4960!
Speak Lord
Rosary
Word of the Day
Church & Liturgy Thurible A metal censer used for burning incense in liturgical celebrations.

The Ever-Present Christ and the Christmas Mystery
Welcome to today’s episode! As we approach the holy season of Christmas, we reflect on the profound mystery of Christ's presence, both in the manger of Bethlehem and in our lives today, especially in the Blessed Sacrament.
Drawing from the timeless words of St. Therese of Lisieux, Edward Healy Thompson, and the Scriptures, we will explore the beauty of Jesus Christ as our constant, unchanging Lord and the role of St. Joseph as a model of faith and fatherhood in the Church. Let us meditate on the gifts of the Holy Family and how they continue to inspire us in our journey of faith.
Segment 1: The Ever-Present Christ
St. Therese of Lisieux reminds us of the intimacy Jesus offers:
"Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you—for you alone? He burns with the desire to come into your heart."
This quote highlights the deep personal love Christ has for each of us. The same Jesus who lay in a manger in Bethlehem is truly present in the Eucharist. He is there, waiting for us, burning with love and longing to unite Himself with us.
The words of Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” reassure us of the unchanging nature of His love. The Christ-child adored by shepherds and angels is the same Christ who invites us to kneel before Him in the Blessed Sacrament. His presence is not distant but personal, intimate, and constant.
This Advent and Christmas season, let us take time to visit Jesus in the tabernacle or adore Him in Eucharistic adoration. Let us open our hearts to receive Him, just as Mary and Joseph welcomed Him on that first Christmas night.
Segment 2: St. Joseph and the Mystery of the Church
Edward Healy Thompson offers a profound reflection on the role of St. Joseph in the mystery of Christmas and the Church:
"In that blessed [Christmas] night also Joseph became the patron, the vicar, and the patriarch of the whole Catholic Church. It is certain, St. Athanasius tells us, that the stable where Jesus was born is ‘a figure of the Church, whose altar is the manger, whose vicar is Joseph, whose ministers are the shepherds, whose priests are the angels, whose great High-Priest is Jesus Christ, and whose throne is the Blessed Virgin.’"
This imagery connects the humble setting of the Nativity to the grandeur of the Church. The stable prefigures the Church as a place of simplicity and majesty, of humility and glory.
St. Joseph, as the earthly guardian of Jesus and Mary, models for us the virtues of obedience, humility, and faith. In the Church, he is a spiritual father, guiding us to Jesus and teaching us to trust in God’s providence.
As we gaze upon the Nativity scene, let us see it not just as a past event but as a living reality in the Church today. The altar is our manger, where Christ comes to us in the Eucharist. Like the shepherds, we are called to adore Him; like the angels, we are called to proclaim His glory.
Segment 3: Living the Mystery of Christmas
The mystery of Christmas is not confined to December 25th. It is a call to embrace Christ’s presence in our daily lives. His unchanging love demands a response a heart open to His grace and a life lived in His service.
St. Therese’s reminder of Jesus’ burning desire to dwell in our hearts challenges us to prioritize our relationship with Him. Do we recognize His presence in the Eucharist, in our prayer life, and in the love of those around us?
St. Joseph, too, invites us to reflect on our role within the Church. Are we, like him, faithful stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us? Do we protect and nurture the Christ-child within our souls through lives of virtue and devotion?
Let this Advent and Christmas be a time of renewal a time to deepen our love for Jesus, to draw closer to Mary and Joseph, and to embrace the mission of proclaiming the Good News to the world.
Conclusion Prayer
Let us close with a prayer, asking for the intercession of the Holy Family and the grace to welcome Christ into our hearts anew.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to us in the humility of the manger and remains with us in the Blessed Sacrament. May we always recognize His presence and open our hearts to His love.
Lord Jesus,
You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Help us to remain steadfast in faith and love, trusting in Your unchanging mercy. May we, like St. Joseph, fulfill our roles within the Church with humility and fidelity, and like the shepherds, may we proclaim the joy of Your coming to all we meet.
Holy Spirit,
Guide us this Christmas season and always, that we may grow in holiness and draw others to the light of Christ. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, may we become living witnesses to the mystery of the Incarnation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you for joining us in today’s reflection. May the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the example of the Holy Family inspire you this Christmas season and throughout the year. Until next time, may God bless you abundantly.