Each year the season is pushed upon us to get our “shopping” and preparations completed for the Big Day: Christmas. But, are we really ready? Sure our list is complete, decorations up, menus planned and waiting for Santa…..Where are our hearts? How is our spiritual preparation?
Advent means “coming.” The Lord will arrive on December 25th. Maybe this year we do a little more praying, giving of ourselves and reflect on how we can be more loving and caring to each other.
Each week of Advent, look at the Advent Wreath. What does it mean? The evergreen is everlasting, the circle of the wreath means God’s unending love for us, and color purple is the color of forgiveness and soul searching and the flame is the “Light of the World,” Jesus Christ. As a family, attend Mass and have the children look around the Church, listen to the readings and hear the music as words of anticipation and excitement are expressed.
Children do look forward to Christmas morning; we all do. But, when we look at the Manger in our parish or the manger we might have in our homes, what do we see? A baby laying on a bed of straw, among animals, with His mother and father lovingly looking toward the infant. Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God!
Each Christmas season, this message does bring a sense of peace and tranquility, even if it is for a short time. Let us carry this vision of love, innocence and understanding all through the year just ahead. Be a disciple of Christ, believe and do good works. Make this Advent a whole-hearted attempt to understand more and live the way the baby shows us every Christmas season.
Marie Mullen