It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! We are now into the second week of Advent, and I am in awe once again of the spirit of Christmas! Several years ago I was able to break free of my disenchantment of the commercialization of Christmas, and I have never looked back. How did I do that? I turned off the noise of those that made me think Christmas was all about the perfect gift, the perfect decoration, etc…I realized I am the one in control of what my heart focuses on, and I choose Christ. In choosing Christ, I choose joy as my guide to finding Him! He has given me everything, and I am a man that deserves nothing. In spite of my short comings He continues to “lead me to new waters,” and inspire me to move beyond self. I am nothing without Christ! I had to realize this so that I could break free from the earthly confines of Christmas!
Our gospel reading tells us about Jesus’ brave cousin, John the Baptist. A man that needed very little, because he had a gigantic faith and trust in the Lord. He was essentially homeless, but that did not stop him from living with the courage and hope to live a life for God! He first leapt in his mother’s womb when his Lord and Savior drew near, and then he recognized the Christ again when Jesus was walking towards John to be baptized in the Jordan River. John didn’t need anything but his faith and hope. He wasn’t afraid to challenge those who were given the task to protect the faith, and were failing in such unimaginable ways. He didn’t care that these Pharisees were upset with him, because he new his heart belonged to God.
What is it that we can learn from John? It always upsets me when people say they get nothing from church, or when people complain about the clergy not doing enough. If our eyes are not fixed on the altar of Christ and His sacrifice we will never find peace in His Church! So ask yourself, what should I be doing to better experience the Mass? How should I prepare my heart to worship Him? Mass is not a restaurant or store for you to gain satisfaction. It is the place where we go to Worship Him as a
community of believers! It’s the place where we are supposed to leave self and focus on Him! I promise you, if you do not change your focus, you will never find peace at Mass.
I am so very excited for our Advent Night of Reflection on December 6th!!! We will be joined by the amazing band “All For Him!” They played the most beautiful Christmas music last year and I can’t wait to hear them again! I humbly ask that you join us this year, and help us to welcome the birth of the newborn King! We are going to focus on our Lord! We are going to “come and adore Him!” Also, please bring a friend! I promise you it will be an uplifting experience!
In this Advent Season, let us cry out; “Prepare the way of the Lord!” What will it take for us to truly focus completely on Him? How will we make this the best Christmas yet?
Have a prayer filled week!!!