“A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord” (Is 11:1-3).
As Catholics enter into the new Church year and the beautiful season of Advent, when Christians awaits the coming and second coming of Christ, let us give ourselves over to a prayerful time to accompany the preparations for the joyous news of Jesus among us. While we wonder and decorate, bake and shop, rush about and entertain, may we keep uppermost in our minds the reason for the upcoming celebration and the most perfect gift that God gave us. Although we can never come close to choosing the gift that Jesus is for all, we can remember the simple joy felt when a new life enters the world and share that feeling, thus being Jesus for others.
May prayerful Advent preparations be for the joy of others, which in turn will bring us joy and closer to the real meaning of Christmas. Every act, song, and kindness are prayers as well, so be confident that work that is a prayer is a wonderful addition to the silent, reflective times spent with God.
God bless all my dear sisters in the League.