Advent and Christmas Wisdom with St Alphonsus Liguori
2 December – The First Sunday of Advent
Day 1
The Redeeming Plan
“Consider how God allowed 4,000 years to pass after the sin of Adam before He sent His Son on earth to redeem the world. And in the meantime, what fatal darkness reigned on the earth! The true God was not known or adored, except in one small corner of the world. Idolatry reigned everywhere; devils and beasts and stones were adored as gods.…If Jesus Christ had come into the world immediately after the Fall of Adam, the greatness of this favour would have been but slightly appreciated. Let us, therefore, thank the goodness of God for having sent us into the world, after, the great work of redemption was accomplished.”St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church
THE INCARNATION, BIRTH AND INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST
Scripture
The days are coming—oracle of the LORD—when I will fulfil the promise made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days, at that time, I will make a just shoot spring up for David; he shall do what is right and just in the land. In those days Judah shall be saved and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; this is the name they shall call her: “The LORD our justice.”…Jeremiah 33:14–16
PRAYER
Creator and creating God, You give me such a delightful and wholesome gift in a new beginning. Pride, rebellion and temptation called to me and I pulled away from You. These identical issues continue to cause sin in the lives of Your people.
Rather than true confession, like the first Adam, I seek
to blame others for the troubles in my life.
Forgive me of my sins.
Allow me to begin this Advent sojourn, by restoring me to a fresh start and new beginning with and in You. Amen.
ADVENT ACTION
Whatever is at the centre of your life will be the source of your security, peace, wisdom, and power. Decide today to make Jesus the centre and source of everything in your life.
St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787) Doctor of the Church
AnaStpaul 