Continue To Prepare The Way. By: C.C.

"It might be easy to run away to a monastery, away from the commercialization, the hectic hustle, the demanding family responsibilities of Christmas-time. Then we would have a holy Christmas. But we would forget the lesson of the Incarnation, of the enfleshing of God—the lesson that we who are followers of Jesus do not run from the secular; rather we try to transform it. It is our mission to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas just as the early Christians baptized the Christmas tree. And we do this by being holy people—kind, patient, generous, loving, laughing people—no matter how maddening is the Christmas rush…" (Fr. Andrew Greeley)
As we begin our third week of Advent I find it fitting to reflect upon our role as Christians to prepare the way for Christ as we walk amidst the secular reality during this holiday season. I have been struggling to maintain perspective too, and often find that I am regretfully being consumed with the secular demands of the holidays. The stress of preparations, accommodating family, and trying to "fit" everyone in. It is in these moments that I quickly refocus on what I know to be the most important reason for the season..... JESUS. I absolutely love this quotation from Fr. Greeley. It offers such comfort and reiterates what our duty is during this season as followers of Christ. I definitely agree that if we lived amidst a society that recognized Jesus as the true reason for the season our holiday preparations would be more joyful, prayerful, loving, and less commercialized, stressful, and chaotic. As followers of Christ we are called to bring His light into the secular world. We are called to be Holy. Obviously the idea of transforming the entire secular culture may seem impossible..but, what can we do within this Advent season and in our time of preparing our hearts for Christ? How can we show His light? We can accomplish this by staying true to the values that Jesus taught us. There are many things we can do in our homes, at work, and within our dealings to show His light and the true reason for the season. I absolutely love the "Keep Christ In Christmas" campaign that the Knights of Columbus run during the holiday season. This simple slogan speaks volumes. It is a powerful reminder that even amidst the commercialized chaos and holiday preparations we must keep focused on Him. Today let us reflect upon what we are doing to "Keep Christ In Christmas" . Father, I ask that You continue to guide us through our Advent journey. Help us to keep Your Son as the focus of our preparations. Enable us to carry out our worldly holiday duties without forgetting our call to reflect Your light. Lord help us to be Holy people even when we feel pressured and stressed. Give us the strength to be "kind, patient, generous, loving, and laughing people". Show us the ways that we can be charitable during this holiday season and grow in deeper relationship with You. Lord I pray that we can always keep You in Christmas, and may those who seek You find You during this holiday time. Amen. (C.C.)