The wonderful month of December is upon us and anticipation begins to peak as we all look forward to Christmas. But slow down, don't move too fast, why don't we let Advent last? Today is only the 3rd day of Advent. When we focus so much on Christmas around December 1st, we tend to overdo things, to make the celebration less personal, to burn out before Christmas Day and totally miss the beautiful Christmas season which lasts until January 6th, Kings Day and the following Sunday when we close it all out with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Yes, I understand why we decorate earlier and earlier. In fact, my outdoor lights are up but not the tree. But I am focused more on Advent. Advent truly allows us to focus on why we even celebrate Christmas. Advent gives us all the opportunity to prepare to celebrate the 1st coming of Christ and to be even more prepared for His glorious second coming.
Besides Advent, we don't want to miss all the exciting things happening these days. First, for all of us living in southeast Louisiana we have arrived at December 1st with an undefeated Saints team. Are you kidding me? I guess it would not be prudent to spend time on this blog going on and on about the Saints, and how they destroyed New England, and have the best QB in the NFL, and the most improved defense, and perhaps the #1 power ranking so I won't do that.
The week ahead does bring great opportunities that are joyful. On Thursday night I will have the opportunity, for the first time as a Deacon, to join in the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for our parish teenagers. We will have a wonderful evening as the Holy Spirit comes to these young people and we will be blessed with a visit from Bishop Shelton Fabre. Bishop Fabre is one of our auxiliary bishops and just last year at this time led my formation class in our final weekend retreat before ordination.
Friday will bring our monthly Adoration & Benediction as this will be the 1st Friday of the month. As part of our time in prayer, we also recite the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. I will be blessed to preside at the Benediction, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday night at St. Jane's so please come by if you are near Abita Springs.
And guess what? The local weather folk are carrying on about the possibility we may see a snow flake or two late Friday or Saturday morning. Usually, we laugh at this as we hear this almost every winter. Not anymore, after the amazing snow storm we had last December!
So enjoy December; in it's full glory. It's not just about the commercial, secular celebration of Christmas. Take it one day at a time. And continue to rejoice that you are growing closer to God everyday in these early days of Advent.
Here is a reflection for this December 1st: "Loving Father, in you we see light. Dispel the darkness that keeps us from you. Teach us to rejoice in the Holy Spirit, and to know your love. Fill our hearts, we beg you, with the brilliance of your truth."
No comments:
Post a Comment