Why is there this expectation that this year Christ will come to us in a very unique and special way? God has placed this longing in our hearts to refresh us with the presence of eternity. For so many years the Israelites waited in expectation for a Redeemer and now with the birth of John the Baptist a certain anticipation began to develop with the community of faithful. What were the qualities of this anticipation?
In the first place the Jewish people were unwilling subjects of Rome. They expected the Savior to be a military leader who could handle the pagans. They expected to re-establish the kingdom of Solomon. This would establish the kingship but what about the priesthood? The priesthood was the soul of the society. They looked to Caiaphas and Annas to carry on this tradition. So with the person of John the Baptist calling the people to repent and prepare themselves for Emmanuel, the expectation heightened.
Essential to the notion of Messiah must be kingship and priesthood. Hence the introduction to the vision of John the Baptist. First the kingship in these days was under the Roman Caesar which established the Jews in four territories (an indication that they would soon fold…a kingdom divided cannot stand). Second, the priesthood is governed by Annas and Ciaphas. With this documentation we learn that the Messiah is coming not only for the Jew but for the Gentile as well.
We are informed that John the Baptist is unlike the prophets of old who came only for the Jewish people and so were identified by the kingship that they served. But something new is about to break history into two parts (B.C. and A.D.). Now John, the son of the priest Zachary, receives the Word of God in the desert and begins to proclaim what Isaias laid down years before. The valleys would be lifted up and the mountains and hills made low. This action refers to the dispositions of the people. The poor and humble would be raised while the rich and powerful would be brought low.
The goal of all of us would be the kingdom of God opened by the Messiah Who created all and desired that all would come to understand His unconditional love. Once our hearts are humbled together then the crooked way would become straight and the rough ways plain. Our approach would have no hindrances and all would focus on the journey to our God.
What has happened to this vision? Men have chosen to increase the height of the mountains and hills. Their pride has increased beyond imagining. The crooked ways are more goofy than ever before as we claim freedom for the flesh. No one can stop the unbridled lusts that are consuming our leaders and our neighbors. The very rule of law is under attack and the uncivilized are crying out in our city streets for blood. Even wearing a MAGA hat is deemed an unforgivable offense to the left.
Who can change all this? Mary Immaculate has been chosen to bring her children back to their senses. She is arrayed for battle and Michael is ready with his minions and waiting on the nod from God. Her faithful children wait and pray her holy rosary in reparation for their brothers and sisters who have failed to listen to the prophets, John the Baptist and the Christ. The times are ripe for a new era to enter our torn and divided world. May this Christmas find our hearts ready for the divine love of God humbly approaching us through the womb of the Immaculate Virgin. Pray for sanctity. In the hearts of Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Fr. Voigt
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