Personally, I love Advent; it is such a joyous time. I love so much of the traditions that we carry on ~ the carols, the trimming of the tree, the lights, setting up our nativity, family gatherings and the wafting scents of cookies baking. I still make the cookies that I helped my Mom bake when I was a child. It's a tradition that I hope that Tom will teach his own children someday (which isn't happening anytime soon btw).
With all the preparation that goes into this season very rarely do we hear about the spiritual things that people do. Just as we do during the Lent season, we should remember to bring Christ into our daily day with special prayers, sacrifices such as giving alms to those less fortunate, confessing your sins, attending Mass or services and just meditating on the Bible. Shopping on Black Friday, at Macy's, may get you a great deal but it is not going to bring you closer to God. Best Buy has such a deal, but is that gift going to provide a person with peace? (Well, actually, it may if it comes with ear buds but you know where I'm coming from...). That is precisely the point of Advent; to prepare yourselves for the coming of CHRISTmas. Material possessions are fleeting; here today, gone tomorrow ~ when the next fad comes along. Jesus Christ is forever.
Can I make a suggestion? Why not put Christ back into Christmas this year? Get yourself a daily devotional Advent booklet and pray each day. Crack open your Bible and read the passages for a half an hour a day. Flood the food pantries with non-perishables for your neighbors that are struggling. Put money in the poor box or give it to a Santa on the corner that is collecting for the Salvation Army. Open your home to the lonely or displaced. Visit the sick and imprisoned. Give someone an unexpected gift this year, like something you make or bake. I received the most delicious, and unexpected, pumpkin pie and cupcakes on Thanksgiving from my good friend Joan Marie. They told me that she was thinking about me and thankful for our friendship and that meant more to me than anything else.
Jesus Christ isn't found in the malls. He is found in the acts of love and kindness that we give to others. Those two attributes seem to be melting away as quickly as a Snowman on a Bahama beach lately. We need to bring them back, front and center, to our lives. As we begin the Advent season let us make others a priority rather than an afterthought.
May your Advent be one of joy, peace, laughter and love.
Mare
*Macy's, Best Buy and the Salvation Army are trademarked names.
