prophet-able
"Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary. It was of her that Jesus Who is called the Messiah was born." —Matthew 1:16
The coming of Jesus the Messiah was the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies over hundreds of years. For example, it was prophesied centuries before Christ that the Messiah would come from the tribe of Judah and the line of David. The coming of Jesus into the world this Christmas is also preceded by prophecy.
We find many "dry bones" in this world, even among our immediate family and closest friends. If life is to be restored and Christmas to come, we must "prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!" (Ez 37:4) When we do this under the inspiration of the Spirit, we begin a revival, a resurrection, a return to life. The bones begin to rattle, come together, and re-form into Christ's body (Ez 37:7-8).
Christmas is a celebration of life, not death. We must prophesy life in Jesus to the "living dead" (1 Jn 3:14) or they will not have Christmas. Prophecy is the gift to be sought above all others, especially at Christmas time (1 Cor 14:1). For the Word to become flesh, it must first be proclaimed (Jn 1:14). Prophesy, and rattle the bones. Speak the Word of life to the people of death. Prepare the way of the Lord this Christmas.
Prayer: Father, this Christmas I prophesy rebirth "through the living and enduring word of God" (1 Pt 1:23).
Promise: "The scepter shall never depart from Judah." —Gn 49:10
Praise: "O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, You govern all creation with Your strong and yet gentle care."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Gifts of the Spirit on audio AV 3A-1, AV 3A-3, AV 3B-1, AV 3B-3 or video V-3A, V-3B.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 27, 2011
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