Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the four week period preceding Christmas. For many people, this has little meaning beyond an increasing sense of pressure to buy, wrap, decorate, and perhaps to steel oneself for the stress of having a house full of relatives. I've signed off from that rat-race and am trying to focus, instead, on what this season is really supposed to be about...
A time of preparation for the arrival of a little baby who would change the world.
As Catholics, we're supposed to use this time to do a bit of spiritual housecleaning: a time to look at ourselves and reflect on the steps we need to take to be ready to welcome the Son of God... in the form of a little baby in Bethlehem, and when He comes again.
What will you do to prepare?
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
- Matthew 24:42
I agree that we need to take time to prepare and to enjoy the reason for the season instead of spening another year in the rat race that the holiday season has become.
ReplyDeleteA Baby was coming but there was no room at the inn. A priest once told me to kneel in front of the manger and tell Jesus what I would do to make room for Him in my heart. I've never forgotten his advice.
ReplyDeleteWe should definitely take time to expectantly and joyfully prepare for Christmas especially since we are free to do so here in America. Today is also the Feast Day of St. James Intercisus who died a martyr's death for his belief in Jesus. We are incredibly blessed for living in this time in America where we can worship freely!
ReplyDeleteWe were just talking about His return this morning at church, including these encouraging Bible verses - "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. - wonderful news to read and to share during this season of Advent! Have a blessed week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing on the NOBH
ReplyDeleteYou have a good plan for preparing for Christmas. I love this time of year. Right now my dear hubby is working on the lights on our tree to get them all burning and singing "At the Cross at the cross where I first saw the light" as he works.
ReplyDeleteBlessings as you celebrate the Sundays of Advent and thank you for sharing with us.
Charlotte
I love the Advent season...it seems so close to Him. That anticipation for the Christ-child, how it builds and fills. Signing out of that rat-race too, my friend. :)
ReplyDelete