Reflection
As we come closer to Christmas we are surrounded by all the symbols and sounds that make this such a joyful season for us. In the midst of this, it is good to remind ourselves that these are not the reality we commemorate at Christmas. The reality is not the emotion stirred by carols and a baby, but, the life of the man Jesus who called us to a new way of knowing God, a new way of living with our neighbors, and a new vision of life which he called the reign of God. Under all that we see and hear commercially as the day approaches, this is the real message of Christmas.
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus.
Action
How can you use these last weeks of Advent to focus yourself on the meaning of Jesus’ life in the midst of all the activity and nostalgia around you?
Suggested Reading
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—a Spirit of wisdom and understanding, a Spirit of counsel and strength, a Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:2
Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time is fulfilled,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news.”
Mark 1:15
Advent invites us to a commitment to vigilance, looking beyond ourselves, expanding our mind and heart in order to open ourselves up to the needs of people, of brothers and sisters, and to the desire for a new world.
Pope Francis
Advent is not about a sentimental waiting for the Baby Jesus. Advent is a time to focus our expectations and anticipation on the adult Christ, the Cosmic Christ, who challenges us to empty ourselves, to lose ourselves, to surrender.
Richard Rohr
The One who calls you to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature is the One who by your consent, goes into all the world and preaches the Gospel to every creature through yo
Major Ian Thomas
Christmas is about Christ. When we forget that, we lose the true magic of Christmas.
Toni Sorenson
I may plan to make Christ the center of Christmas, but when I wait until December to focus on celebrating His birthday, I become entangled in Christmas lights, holiday baking, and festive engagements, often wondering if I’ve experienced the illusive ‘true meaning’ of Christmas.
Ann Marie Stewart
Remember too the Christ-child, grew up to be a man; to hide him in a cradle, is not our dear Lord’s plan. So keep the Christmas spirit, share it with others far and near, from week to week and month to month, throughout the entire year!
Norman Wesley Brooks