It’s the second week of Advent. How are we measuring our journey to the manger? This precious sacred time should not be measured in presents purchased, gifts wrapped and halls decked, or even in our family’s fun tradition of guessing how many times we’ll hear “All I Want for Christmas is You,” on the radio (32 thus far). Instead, we should look around at the world we encounter daily and be about the business of putting light into the lives of others.
Because Advent is like a mini Lent, make a point of getting to confession before the season ends. Stop by the 24-7 Adoration chapel for an hour of being like the shepherds in the field, adoring Him. The world tries to crowd out the space we would give Christ. Fast from giving into pettiness, road rage, gossip, gloom, and irritation. Abstain from idle distraction for distraction’s sake.
These days, there are a thousand different “Advent” calendars from candies to socks to wine samplers. However, the real count down is there for us in the scriptures. Subscribe to the daily readings or go to the daily Mass if your schedule allows or follow along a Mass from one of the many good Catholic apps out there that provides this daily to prepare us or read the Liturgy of the Hours or all of the materials in the Magnificat. We can read along each day while preparing for the day, and so prepare for The Day, that all paths of Advent lead to.
So how do we become more the people who welcome not just the feast day but the reason for our feast? Begin by imitating the Holy Family. Recognize our own need for repentance – as called for by Saint John the Baptist – and proceed humbly in all things. Advent should be a time when we seek to decrease as Christ increases in our lives. “Produce good fruit” as a sign of our desire to be ever more faithful followers. Cultivate a pondering heart like Mary, and go about the business of doing that must be done with a patient and obedient spirit like Saint Joseph.
Like the three kings, be charitable in word and deed. Seek Christ in all things, and invite others to do so as well. Being miserly with criticism and lavish with patience. Generously give both love and worldly goods. Tithe the time and the talents you’ve been freely given. Put hope where there is none, mercy where something else is expected and possibly demanded, and gift kindness to a world struggling with deadlines, debt, sin, despair and darkness.
The goal of Advent is to grow in holiness, to grow closer to the Holy family and become a holy family ourselves. Christ is waiting for us in the manger of our hearts. Let us go and bring all our gifts.
Sherry Antonetti is the author of The Book of Helen, freelancer and Catholic blogger @Patheos/Chocolate for Your Brain!
