“The parting of the ways occurs right at the Child’s manger; even there, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. ‘Follow me,’ He commands, and anyone who is not for Him is against Him. We, too, are confronted with these words, and the decision they pose between light and darkness.”

                                                St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross,

                                                                                     -(Edith Stein)

For Reflection: 

As an examination of conscience, divide a sheet of paper into two columns. Label the first column, “For Him.” Label the second column, “Against Him.”  In the first column, list all of the ways your thoughts, words, and deeds reflect your decision to follow Jesus. In the second column, list all of the ways your thoughts, words, and deeds reflect areas contrary to our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Of those listed in column two, which three are you willing to work on during this Advent season so as to make them a gift to the Christ Child on Christmas morning? Pray for the grace to follow through with this good intention.