Monday, December 24, 2012
The Birth of Jesus
Dear Friends,
A reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel (1:18-25):
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.
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All couples who wish to join the Families for Jesus will commit one evening a week for a whole year in order to be initiated into this community. They will work through seminars, courses, talks, discussion groups, workshops and retreats as part of their training. The Brothers and Sisters of Jesus will guide these couples in these weekly gatherings of prayer, religious studies, spiritual formation, and in their apostolate, working together and sharing their lives with one another. They will also welcome visits to their homes by the Contemplative Brothers and Sisters. There will be no financial obligation. After the year of formation is completed, the candidates can apply as a couple to join the Families for Jesus.
Below you will find the message of Our Lord and Savior given to Father Melvin. Jesus spoke to him these words,
“Be full of joy My brother Melvin and all My brothers and sisters scattered all over the world. The anniversary of My birth has arrived. It is tonight that My Mother gave birth to Me in a stable in Bethlehem. Indeed I am Emmanuel, the Son of God who came to live among you. I have a special gift for all My friends if they celebrate My anniversary by going to Holy Mass and receiving Me in Holy Communion. Make a special offering of yourselves to Me on Christmas Day and you will be blessed indeed. Although you do not see Me today but believe that I am there will you and that I live in your heart. I love you all and I bless you.”
Father Melvin
P.S. I wish you all a Holy and Joyful Christmas with many blessings from the Lord.