As we begin to settle into Advent (the four weeks before Christmas) and the beginning of the new liturgical year, let us make a commitment to center our lives around the church seasons, rather than the season of commerce.
Advent is the perfect time to teach your children the importance of slowing down and focusing on something (someone) important.
Advent recalls the coming of Jesus, through Mary; his presence today in the Eucharist; and it raises our awareness of the coming of Jesus at the end of time.
We love this time of year. We set out our Advent candle wreath on the dining room table and light it, centering ourselves in song, prayer and scripture. The wreath is our constant reminder that this is no ordinary time of year. Jesus is the Light of the World, penetrating the darkness.
We look forward to celebrating the Christmas Season, which begins on December 25th.
One thing you will notice as you take up centering your life around the Church's seasons, is that you will mostly be out of sync with everything else going on. Trust me, this is a good thing.
Truly celebrating Advent will make your Christmas all the better. The only drawback is that you will arrive ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus, only to find the rest of the world has gone dark on December 26th, as Christmas trees come down and Christmas lights go dark.
Like I said, you will be out of sync with the rest of the world, but you will discover what real joy is, as you find yourself free from the stress and (self-imposed) idea that the most important thing when getting ready for Christmas is to find the perfect gift.
Jesus is the perfect gift to mankind.
Let this be the beginning of your growth in holiness.
Happy Advent!
Janet Cassidy
Email me at: jmctm2@gmail.com
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