Friday, December 25, 2015

DAY 5

A Light Will Shine On Us This Day
By Alicia Montoya Smith

First off, I have to say that I am truly blessed to be born into this family that raised us up with a firm foundation of faith. Things have not been so great for me since 2012 when I broke my hip at work.  I have been dealing with some really difficult issues ALL AT ONCE.  It really took a toll on my body, mind and spirit.  My faith was shaken to the core.  I felt sorry for myself; how could God put all this on me? My son Ryan barely made it out of Jr. High School due to depression also.  His doctor said that we were feeding off of each other and that neither of us would get better without intervention.

I won't say that I prayed and suddenly all was well.  It is coming up on 4 years and I'm finally seeing the light!!  It's shining so bright, like the star that guided the 3 wise men to the newborn King.   Ryan is doing great; he is off his depression meds!  I'm back to working a part time job (just started December 2nd), Justin and Steven are well.  My sons are my pride and joy.  

Soon I will marry again to an amazing, crazy, most loving man I have ever met.  I am ridiculously happy!  LIFE IS GOOD BECAUSE GOD IS GOOD!  

A light will shine on us this day:  the Lord is born for us!  God sent his only begotten son to be born this day, and later die for our sins.  I don't think I could ever sacrifice not one of my son’s, but because God did, we all have a future, A FUTURE IN PARADISE! 

Love to all my cousins and family everywhere!  Merry Christmas everyone!!  GLORY TO GOD!!!

Alicia (Lisa)









Readings
Friday December 25

1 Isaiah 62:11-12
See, the LORD proclaims
to the ends of the earth:
say to daughter Zion,
your savior comes!
Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.
They shall be called the holy people,
the redeemed of the LORD,
and you shall be called “Frequented,”
a city that is not forsaken.

Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1, 6, 11-12
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;

let the many isles be glad.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

TITUS 3:4-7
Beloved:

When the kindness and generous love 

of God our savior appeared,

not because of any righteous deeds we had done

but because of his mercy,

He saved us through the bath of rebirth

and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 
whom he richly poured out on us

through Jesus Christ our savior,

so that we might be justified by his grace

and become heirs in hope of eternal life.


Alleluia LK 2:14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to those
on whom his favor rests.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.



Gospel LK 2:15-20


When the angels went away from them to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another,
 
“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem

to see this thing that has taken place, 

which the Lord has made known to us.
”
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, 

and the infant lying in the manger.

When they saw this,

they made known the message

that had been told them about this child.

All who heard it were amazed

by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things,

reflecting on them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God
 
for all they had heard and seen, 

just as it had been told to them.

2 comments:

  1. Perfect Lisa! You have come through a lot and have become a better and stronger person and that is God working in your life. I can't tell you how glad I am to know that you are so happy and that your family is doing so well. I agree we have an awesome family and God is good ! Merry Christmas to all my cousins

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  2. Thank you for sharing with us. I appreciate you sharing your life with us. We have all been busy with our lives, but I'm so thankful to be able to reconnect with each other. I sat up last night remembering Small World apartments and staying up until sunrise. I miss you all!

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