Waiting Here for You, An Advent Journey of HopeSample

JESUS IS OUR FEAST

REFLECTION

Jesus doesn’t just give you what you need; Jesus is what you need. Your heart was created by Him, for Him. You can fight and claw to gain the world, but without Jesus, you will never be completely satisfied.

If there is a growing discontent deep inside your heart—a hunger that hasn’t been completely satisfied by the people, pleasures, parties, material things, or accomplishments—today is the day to open your heart to the idea that it is Jesus that you were made for. But you have to walk away from “less,” and ask Him to become your “more.” Jesus is enough for you, and He is here.

MEDITATION

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
Unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Latin, c. 12th century
Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710
Translated by John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, alt.
Stanzas 1 & 4

PRAYER

Father, You alone know how hard I have searched for satisfaction in the people and things of this world. But they are broken, and I am too. You alone can fill my hungry heart. You alone have the love that is like no other. You never change. Open my eyes today. Show me Your riches and glory. Help me know You more. Let me see the feast of You that is set before me, so I may delight myself in You alone. Amen.