A Sunday Thought for the Fourth Sunday of Advent to Start the Week Off Right
We're in the final stretch. Only a few more days of Advent and then: Christmas. Yes, it's almost here.
Let's dispense with the cliches: how it seems like we just finished our Thanksgiving meal; how Advent has just zipped by. Okay, so time flies. What's new?
And sure, we did have a bit of last minute shopping to do but, hey, we've actually finished with three days to go this year. (Assuming, of course, we didn't forget anything!)
But none of this will matter as we wake up Wednesday morning, Christmas Eve, and prepare for our Christmas Eve family gathering. That's when we're drawn into the vortex of those practical worldly activities that accompany the spiritual activities. And if we keep our minds and hearts in the right place, all will help us remember that great day over 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, finally appeared amongst us. Hallelujah!
This year, our family won't be together on Christmas Day as it once was. The kids are older, and some of them will celebrate elsewhere. Age and distance changes things. Some sadness in this, but between the palpable joy of Christmas that we encounter in every part of our home, filled with lights and decorations, and the miracle of Facetime, which will bring some of those (now adult, but always ever-shining) faces of our children into our living room at some point during these days of Christmas, I expect the sadness will come and go, leaving only joy and peace in its wake. At least that's my prayer for this Sunday.
In whatever ever state of mind and heart you find yourself these last few days of Advent, it's time to put aside any of the anxiety or exhaustion that can accompany the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation. Really. Keep it simple: Take a deep breath and whatever time you need to turn your eyes to Bethlehem. Look up in the sky and find the Star that will lead you to the manger. Clouds may be hiding it right now, but it's there and it's brightness won't be dimmed for the soul that puts its trust in Our Blessed Lord and His Mother. Remember that in that light 2,000 years ago, we found and continue to find our salvation.
So put aside all cares, even as you put up those last decorations, trim the tree, and wrap the presents. Prepare to welcome Our Lord with an open, yearning heart. Soon enough, Christmas will arrive.
To help us remember the simple, yet wonderful meaning of the joy that I hope has begun to seep into your bones in these final days of Advent, Harry Belafonte's interpretation of "Mary's Boy Child."
Let's dispense with the cliches: how it seems like we just finished our Thanksgiving meal; how Advent has just zipped by. Okay, so time flies. What's new?
And sure, we did have a bit of last minute shopping to do but, hey, we've actually finished with three days to go this year. (Assuming, of course, we didn't forget anything!)
But none of this will matter as we wake up Wednesday morning, Christmas Eve, and prepare for our Christmas Eve family gathering. That's when we're drawn into the vortex of those practical worldly activities that accompany the spiritual activities. And if we keep our minds and hearts in the right place, all will help us remember that great day over 2,000 years ago when Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, finally appeared amongst us. Hallelujah!
This year, our family won't be together on Christmas Day as it once was. The kids are older, and some of them will celebrate elsewhere. Age and distance changes things. Some sadness in this, but between the palpable joy of Christmas that we encounter in every part of our home, filled with lights and decorations, and the miracle of Facetime, which will bring some of those (now adult, but always ever-shining) faces of our children into our living room at some point during these days of Christmas, I expect the sadness will come and go, leaving only joy and peace in its wake. At least that's my prayer for this Sunday.
In whatever ever state of mind and heart you find yourself these last few days of Advent, it's time to put aside any of the anxiety or exhaustion that can accompany the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparation. Really. Keep it simple: Take a deep breath and whatever time you need to turn your eyes to Bethlehem. Look up in the sky and find the Star that will lead you to the manger. Clouds may be hiding it right now, but it's there and it's brightness won't be dimmed for the soul that puts its trust in Our Blessed Lord and His Mother. Remember that in that light 2,000 years ago, we found and continue to find our salvation.
So put aside all cares, even as you put up those last decorations, trim the tree, and wrap the presents. Prepare to welcome Our Lord with an open, yearning heart. Soon enough, Christmas will arrive.
To help us remember the simple, yet wonderful meaning of the joy that I hope has begun to seep into your bones in these final days of Advent, Harry Belafonte's interpretation of "Mary's Boy Child."
Divine Infant of Bethlehem,
come and take birth in our Hearts!
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