Come O Lamb of God, Savior and Redeemer.

"In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea [and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  (Matthew 3: 1-2 NABRE)

Who is John the Baptist?
Isaiah describes him as “A voice of one crying out in the desert,
‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."  (Isaiah 40: 30)

John the Baptist has a simple profile.  Although born into the priestly nobility, he forsook the privileges that were his by birth to serve Jesus.
"John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey."  (Matthew 3: 4) In order not to compromise his mission, he took extraordinary steps to safeguard his independence.
He was direct and bold in his preaching, fearing no one.
"Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance."  (Matthew 3: 8) He urged the great and the powerful who came to him at the River Jordan.  His humility was profound.
"I am not worthy to carry his sandals."  (Matthew 3: 11) He said of Jesus.  Jesus returned the compliments by calling John the greatest of the prophets.

Lord Jesus grant us the singleness of purpose, courage and humility of John the Baptist.

Come O Lamb of God, Savior and Redeemer.

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I will bear witness to You in the world O Lord.

 “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few." (Matthew 9: 37 NABRE)

The world needs desperately the word of God.  How do I know?  Listen to Jesus:  "At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd."  (Matthew 9: 36)

Isaiah wrote: 
"The Lord will give you bread in adversity and water in affliction." (Isaiah 30: 20 NABRE)  But how can we hear of this promise if there is no one to preach and teach the word?  How can one preach or teach unless he is sent?  How can one be sent unless his heart is open and generous?

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"  (Isaiah 52: 7)

 "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."  (Hebrews 3: 15)

Come O Sign of God's love.

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Do you believe that I can do this?

“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”  (Matthew 9: 29 NABRE)

Jesus touched the eyes of two blind men with the above words and they recovered their sight. 
What is the greatest desire of your heart at this moment?  “Do you believe that I can do this?” Jesus asks you.  What if your faith does not measure up?
Then pray the following or similar prayer:
"Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers, and since we have no merits to plead our cause, come, we pray, to our rescue with the protection of your mercy."

When merits fail, always trust Mercy.

Come O Son of God and Son of Mary.

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It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock."  (Matthew 7: 24 NABRE)

Several places in His teaching, Jesus stresses that what brings life, healing, prosperity and salvation is not hearing the word of God, or knowing or teaching the word.  It is doing or acting on the word.  Why?  Because it is not what you know that transforms you.  It is what you do daily.  Salvation comes from conversion which happens every day.  The will of the Father must be obeyed not just every Sunday, or once a month but daily.  This is what opens the door of the Kingdom of heaven.  (Matthew 7: 21)

God keeps in peace a person of firm purpose.  This person trusts in the Lord forever as eternal Rock.  (Isaiah 26: 4)

Come O Lamb whom John proclaimed.

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Yes Lord, here I am.

"Come after me, says the Lord,
and I will make you fishers of men."  (Matthew 4: 19 NABRE)

What does it take to become a fisher of men?  
"Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ." (Romans 10: 17)   You have heard the invitation from Jesus.  What is keeping you from saying Yes?

Some are called to be full time evangelist.  Others are called to be part-time.  Everyone is called to spread the word of God.  Start small.  Grow steadily.  Become a pro.  Start by forwarding scripture verses that touch your heart to family and friends.  Then create a group list.  Go to social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.  Not difficult.  All you need is faith and yes to Jesus.
All things are possible to one who has faith.  (Mark 9: 23)

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He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of His mouth.

"The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him."  (Isaiah 11: 2 NABRE)

Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the Prophet Isaiah sketched accurately His profile.  One attribute or sign marked Jesus above others.  Jesus possessed the fullness of the Holy Spirit.  But that is not all.  The Spirit He is endowed is  "a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord,
and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord."   (Isaiah 11: 2 - 3 NABRE)

As we wait for the Coming of Jesus at Christmas, let us remember that we too are blessed with the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Without the Spirit, it is impossible to live the Christian life.  This season of Advent is the right time to be refreshed with the Holy Spirit so that buds shall blossom from withered stumps.

Come O Root of David!

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I want You to heal my servant right here, right now.

 “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."  (Matthew 8: 10 NABRE)

Why does Jesus praise so lavishly the faith of the Centurion?  Faith is a rare commodity and one of the greatest gifts of God.  The opposite of faith is Unbelief and Doubt.

How does faith work?  Jesus said to the Centurion:  “I will come and cure him.” The Centurion heard this and believed.  The faith of the Centurion is much deeper.  He said to Jesus: No need to come to my house.  Just heal my servant with a word from here.  Right here, right now.

What gave the Centurion such an elevated faith?  He extrapolated  his experience as a senior Roman officer.

Faith comes from hearing and believing the promises of God.  As you exercise your faith every day, it grows.

Happy Advent!

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