December 27, 2022, ST JOHN, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST

1John 1:1-4

Psalm 97

John 20:1, 2-8

…all peoples see his glory.  Psalm 97:6

Mary of Magdala…saw the stone removed from the tomb.  John 20:1

Lord, most of us still have our nativity sets in our homes as we continue to celebrate your birth. Yet today John’s gospel tells of Mary Magdalene seeing your empty tomb. While Christmas music still plays on our radios and is still fresh in our minds the tomb story reminds us to look at the big picture of your salvation plan. The crib, the cross and the empty tomb paint a picture of the cosmic dimensions and extent of your love for us. Without the empty tomb, the crib has no meaning at all. The empty tomb is a sign of the victory over darkness and sin which you won on the cross. By your resurrection you hallowed the graves of all who believe in you. Lord Jesus may this awesome truth fill my heart with gratitude today for your wondrous gift of life. May it move me to live like I’ve been saved. May my faith grow and lead me to see your glory and give you praise all the days of my life. St. John, pray for us.   Amen.