1 Jn 5:14-21 Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a, and 9b Jn 3:22-30

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections Celebrating Christmas

John the Baptist was Jesus’ best man. No, the Bible never tells us Jesus was married—in the literal sense, anyway. But Jesus does frequently use the analogy of the bride and bridegroom to explain His—God’s—loving and protective relationship to His people. John then, as Jesus’ herald, compares himself to a best man who wants to support his friend, the groom, and his friend’s marriage in all possible ways. John wants Jesus to get all of the attention: “He must decrease; I must increase.”

In what ways today have we chosen to give Jesus all of the attention? In what ways have we decided to humbly set aside our work, our wants, our dreams for the Bridegroom today? The day’s first reading implies that the Evil One is out and about, looking to attack those whose attention is not focused on the Lord. So often we get distracted by work, wants, and dreams and they become our “gods”—those idols become the focus of our attention. “Children, be on your guard against idols.” Let our attention to God be pure.

Today, let us consider consciously setting aside time to sit with Jesus to discern His truth for our lives. Let Him delight in us, His children. Let Him love us where we are at and become the focus of our lives once more. Let us delve in deep today, wherever we are, whatever we do. Let the Lord increase Himself in each of us this day. Focus well.