With the Child of Bethlehem, a new era begins: the hour of grace.
Everyone is called, everyone is invited to welcome it.
God makes it easy for us to come to Him.
The tenderness of the Child proclaims: “Do not be afraid! I am here!”
So, why should I continue to be afraid?
The Heavenly Father sends His Son and tells us:
“I am so close to you…”
“Be not afraid;
for to you is born a Savior” (cf. Lk 2:10–11).
“Even if everyone else forgets you, I will not forget you” (cf. Is 49:15).
“How can I give you up, O Ephraim!
How can I hand you over, O Israel!” (Hos 11:8).
So, why should I continue to fear?
“The light shines in the darkness” (Jn 1:5).
“O death, where is thy victory?
O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Cor 15:55).
You escaped Herod,
you were taken to Egypt (cf. Mt 2:13–15),
you proclaimed the Gospel (cf. Mk 1:14–15)…
Why should I continue to fear?
“Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back” (cf. Is 38:17).
You opened the gates of eternity for me.
You revealed our Beloved Father to us.
You gave us the Virgin Mary as our Mother (cf. Jn 19:27).
Why should I continue to fear?
You defeated Satan (cf. 1 Jn 3:8);
You broke the power of darkness;
You lifted up the humble and humbled the proud (cf. Lk 1:52).
Why should I continue to fear?
Together with the Father, You sent us the Holy Spirit, the Comforter (cf. Jn 15:26).
You raised the dead (cf. Mk 5:35–42);
You healed the lepers (cf. Mt 8:2–3);
and on the cross You offered Your love and forgiveness to all people.
Why should I continue to be afraid?
Lord, help our unbelief (cf. Mk 9:24)!
Lord, make us like You!
Lord, save us from ourselves and grant us boundless trust!
Then, Lord, we will no longer fear…
Meditación sobre la antífona O del 23 de diciembre:
https://en.elijamission.net/seventh-antiphon-o-o-emmanuel-3/