The Beauty of Advent

The time we spend preparing for the birth of the Savior is one of the best and most beautiful seasons of the year. Pausing, remembering and honoring the birth of Jesus and His eventual second coming give us opportunities of deepened spirituality and growth. Why not take these four weeks to meditate on the following themes set by the Sunday scripture readings?

First Week: "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts." [1 Thessalonians 3:12]

Try this week to pause and respond instead of reacting to others-even in their craziness. See what surprises come up in those small pauses and how it leads you to acting in love.

Second Week: "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord,' make straight His paths." [Luke 3:4]

Try this week to proclaim the coming of Christ one time each day for seven days. Try, those seven times, not to use words so much by preaching or proclaiming our truth, but through small, kind actions or gestures. Show others Jesus' love for them.

Third Week: "Brothers and sisters: rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all." [Philippians 4:4]

During this week, try to make every day a joyful one! Use a lot of exclamation points! Celebrate yourself, your family, co-workers and friends! Eat a pink cupcake! Rejoice, Jesus is coming!

Fourth Week: "Rouse your power, and come to save us." [Psalm 80:3]

This is a busy, short week, always too fast-paced to get everything done. Please take the time to be still and quiet each day this week for a couple of minutes and pray. Ask God to come to you and fill your heart and save you from all you need saving from. "O Jesus, Living in Mary, Come and Live in me!"1 



Reference
1  Jean-Jacques Olier, S.S., Founder of the Sulpicians






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