A Friend For All Seasons

The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

1John 2:12-17; Psalm 96; Luke 2:36-40

Jesus is a “Savior for all seasons” of Christian life:

Childhood: “I write to you, children, because you know the Father.”

Because Jesus died to make God “our Father in heaven” we grew up as children secure in the knowledge of God as a loving Father who would protect us, provide for us, and make us happy for all eternity (Matthew 6:19-32; John 1:1-18; 3:1-16; 14:1-21).

Youth: “I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the Evil One.”

As young adults facing temptations, we had Jesus to rely on: his word, his sacraments, his unconditional forgiveness and unfailing support. We knew he was our strength, stronger than all evil.

Adulthood: “I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.”

As we matured, we grew in wisdom, the “habit of seeing everything in the light of our last end.” We began to appreciate Jesus as “the Alpha and Omega, the first and last,” the beginning who gives meaning to the end of our lives and to everything in between (Revelation 1:8; 22:13).

Friendship is interaction. Interact with Jesus at every stage of your development.

ACTION: Look back. Ask what Jesus used to be for you. What is he now?

PRAYER: “Lord, be with me. Let me be with you.”