It is almost Christmas. Maybe the snow is starting to help us think that way. Now is the time to get the house ready. Now is the time to start putting those decorations up. But hold off on the Christmas music; don’t start eating those Christmas cookies just yet. We want to make Christmas special, and by holding off we make ourselves long for it more, and desire it more. We should have a holy longing for the Lord. We should be wanting to meet Him at Christmas. This is part of the reason we wait to celebrate Christmas. Christ is to be born in our hearts first, before we can really celebrate His birth. How well do we know Him? If we had to put this on a scale of 1 to 10, what would we say our level of knowing God would be? I know I am not at a ten, but I also know that I am higher than a one. Jesus tells us to be watchful and ready to meet Him when He comes; that is why we prepare our hearts at Advent. The bulletin covers during Advent have had a one word each week to help us during Advent. They are in order, Watch, Prepare, Share, & Believe. What we learn in our prayerful relationship with God should be shared. Christmas is just around the corner. Now we should be prepared on the 25th to share it.
Just a simple reminder: please do not give me any treats or candies for Christmas because I will eat all the delicious treats, and I am trying to make my temple of the Lord smaller. I really do appreciate the gesture!!!!
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault