Advent Reminders

Sharing here some beautiful quotes from some holy people about the meaning of this Advent season. First a note: I’m posting this on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Don’t get the wrong conception about what this Holy Day celebrates! For more on that, read my reflection from 2015 by clicking HERE.

Now to Advent: Although it may look like the Christmas season in your home, in retail stores, and on television, this four week stretch before December 25 is not yet Christmas — it is the season of preparation.

The pastor of my home parish likened Advent to the time of preparation for a couple expecting a child. Room is made for the coming child, nursery decorations are put up, and the mom and dad make sure that they have everything that they need to truly receive the child and be good parents. This is the kind of thinking that we should have during the season before Christmas.

So now I’m asking myself, is my proverbial house in order? Have I made sufficient room in my life for Jesus, for the Word of God? Is my mind filled with virtues or with vices, adorning my soul with holiness or self-centeredness? Am I really prepared to take good care of all that God has given to me, to be a good steward of my time, my resources, and my talents? Being human, I know that I have much, MUCH to improve in the way that I live my life.

Lately, I found myself saying to God, “I know, I know, I need to do better. I’d rather not have a 2 x 4 smack me up the side of my head to get me to change my ways. Please be patient with me, Lord, be gentle and merciful. I will try harder to get there, to become the person that you created me to be.”

Advent is a beautiful time to pray, reflect, and make room for God.

© 2022 Christina Chase