Advent Weekday, December 18, #1

Jesus was born to save us from hell and lead us to heaven.

A proud Samurai warrior sought out an elderly monk who was known for his wisdom.  In a commanding voice the warrior demanded that the monk teach him about heaven and hell.  The monk replied, “You’re an arrogant, a wicked brute, all muscle and no brains.  Go away, I have no time for you.” 

The warrior was filled with rage and humiliation.  His body tensed and with a furious cry he drew his sword to slay the old man.  “There’s your hell,” said the monk.

Overwhelmed by this unexpected revelation about himself, and by the courage of the monk who was willing to lay down his life to show the proud warrior the hell within him, he dropped to his knees and begged forgiveness. “There’s your heaven,” said the monk.