December 2009
“For there was no room for them in the inn”
We have entered into a unique season of the Church year. Advent is that season before we celebrate the twelve days of Christmas that is both the beginning of our new year and a time of heightened church activity. Advent comes to tell us to remember the reason for the Christmas season and to prepare not only our homes and churches for the receiving of family and friends, but to prepare our hearts to make a place in our “inns” for the Holy Family.
We are called to wonder if indeed there is room in our preparations to add to our already crammed full schedules going to our designated “stable” – our church – to kneel down before the baby in the manger and to offer to Him our gifts. We need to pause and wonder at all that God gave to us because God so loved us. How can we love God back?
Let me suggest some things that have aided me in the past and that I intend to use as a means of slowing down and preparing myself for that moment of Christmas offering on Christmas Eve.
First, a slight change in your sleep routine might help. Try getting up 30 minutes earlier than usual just for some quiet centering time of prayer and listening to the voice of God. In the evening, go to bed an hour earlier than usual to get a little extra rest.
Second, as you make your list of gifts to give, say a prayer for those who will receive those gifts. No matter how small or how large a gift, the prayer that is given enhances the gift. The same thing is true of Christmas cards.
Third, read aloud the Christmas story as told in the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke. Do THIS at least three times a week in order to enrich your appreciation of the divine birth. I also read Christmas stories such as A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. The Bella Vista library has a nice collection.
Fourth, attend the Christmas Pageant on December 13th at the 10:30 a.m. service and bring a friend. I am always moved to some new insight at pageants.
Fifth, come to church and visit with you friends after the service. Arrive early and just sit in silence and drink up the environment of Advent and listen to the organ prelude. I often use the poetry of Christmas Carols as meditation material.
Sixth, enjoy the season as Christ gave it to us as a gift of new beginnings and new life born again in our poor stable we call the soul. Allow the grace of Christmas to empower you to give gifts of unconditional love throughout the year.
May you have a blessed Advent and a “Joy to the World” Christmas.
Fr. Ken †
