When we decide to commit our lives to Jesus and express our faith through baptism, our names are inscribed in the book of the living. This decision to accept Christ is more important than anything else in life. Jesus said: "Do not rejoice so much in the fact that the devils are subject to you as that your names are inscribed in heaven" (Lk 10:20).

On Judgment Day, anyone whose name is "not found inscribed in the book of the living" will be hurled into the pool of fire (Rv 20:15). However, once our names are in the book, they can be erased. Our names can be cut off and blotted out from His presence (cf Is 48:19). "The Lord answered, 'Him only who has sinned against Me will I strike out of My book' " (Ex 32:33; see also Ps 69:29). However, if we are victorious over the temptations of the evil one, our names will never be erased. Jesus promised: "The victor shall go clothed in white. I will never erase his name from the book of the living, but will acknowledge him in the presence of My Father" (Rv 3:5).

Two weeks from today will be Christmas. Will you celebrate Christ and Christmas eternally or choose by sin to be erased? Make this Christmas last forever. "Be solicitous to make your call and election permanent, brothers; surely those who do so will never be lost. On the contrary, your entry into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for" (2 Pt 1:10-11).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 19, 2005

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