It's not Christmas Yet!

It’s Not Christmas Yet!
#12thandMass
November 30, 2021
Our Advent journey of spiritual preparation has begun. This is a time of awakening. We awaken our hearts to gratitude for the First Coming of Christ and to eager expectation for the Second Coming of Christ. 
 
Such focus can be difficult, however, in our cultural context. So much around us—the decorations, the music, the parties—suggests that no spiritual preparation is needed, that Christmas has already arrived. If we are not careful, by the time Christmas does arrive, we will be suffering from Christmas-fatigue and do as many people do: literally toss the tree to the curb on December 26. 
 
Let us bear in mind that the Christmas season runs from Christmas Eve through the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. For us, the Church calendar has the last word!  And let us bear in mind that we are bestowed special grace to live into these holy mysteries in communion with the Church.
 
How are we to stay focused and prepare on this Advent journey?  Well, be strategic and prepare only that which absolutely needs to be prepared beforehand for Christmas.
 

• Try decorating later—including the tree;
• If you have a crèche (manger), do not put the child Jesus in it until Christmas Eve;
• Avoid Christmas music, to the degree possible! 
• Engage in a service activity; 
• Set aside special time to pray, to focus on Christ coming.

If you struggle like I sometimes do to focus, find help. I find it in the inspiring daily meditations of the English Jesuits. CLICK on the image to the right.


We indeed prepare for the culmination of all things in divine love. We do so, trusting in the continued prayer of Saint Paul for us (this Sunday’s second reading, Philippians 1:3-11):
 
that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

With you in eager expectation,​

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The Rev. Dominique Peridans
fellow sojourner in hope