Happy Second Sunday of Advent!
I’m back in the urban city for the holidays. Just had a nice,
morning walk at the village park. I always enjoy these times of exercise
because these are also times when I spend time praying and reflecting. I
couldn’t help but notice and thank God for the various trees lining the
sidewalk. I think I have a favorite one now (I don’t even know what kind of
tree it is); it’s this certain one that has a massive trunk and branches
stretching out in such artistry. When I look up, its branches and leaves cover
such a wide area; simply beautiful!
Yesterday morning, while still at the countryside and at about
the same time, I had just come home from Mass and was enjoying the cool
December breeze. Then, while I was standing at my backyard facing the fields, a
flock of white birds began gliding through the air. I ran to take a closer
look; simply beautiful!
God’s touch is all around. Nature takes no effort in
displaying His glory, for that’s what it was made for.
But God’s touch is also within. And this season, I’ve been
telling the Lord, “Lord, I don’t want to miss a thing!” Not so much the
parties, the gift-giving, the colors and lights. But, “Lord, I don’t want to
miss a thing with regard to what You want to tell me this season of Your birth.
I don’t want to miss a thing with regard to all that You have in store for me.”
This comes only by
spending time with Him. For me, this is what makes Christmas most special —
spending time with the Birthday Celebrant, asking Him what He wants for His
birthday, allowing Him to refresh my spirit.
I have a favorite spot in my country home. It’s a sofa in the
living room. It’s the place where I pray most times, because when I sit there,
I can easily see our altar. And it’s there where I get to “hear” Him speak to
me, in my heart.
 |
| Altar at home |
Of course, I sense His presence in so many other places and
hear Him speak in so many ways. Just like now. I’m now seated on another sofa,
in a smaller living room, surrounded by beautiful floral arrangements (my mom’s
biz, actually). And yet, when I read today’s Mass readings, whoa! God’s Word
became so alive! For instance, today’s response: “The Lord has done great
things for us; we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3). I can only agree!
So to me, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas if I didn’t spend
time with the Celebrant. This is what makes all the difference for me. Try it
out, and see how much deeper and more meaningful your Christmas will be!
Let every heart prepare
Him room. — from “Joy to the World”
“Prepare the way of the
Lord, make straight his paths.” (Luke 3:4)
No comments:
Post a Comment