Making Time

November 30, 2008

Making Time
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. The word Advent from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." It is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of our Savior. In the secular world it is the beginning of Christmas shopping, cooking, decorating, entertaining, etc. So often we lose sight of what the season is about, not on purpose, we just get very caught up in the doing and forget to make time for reflection.

I remember a few years ago, Fr. Richard Crowley gave a homily at this time of year that has stayed with me and I think about every Advent. The homily was about how we are so overburdened at this time of year that we can’t even do all we are “supposed” to do (according to the secular world), much less make time for reflecting upon the holy season. How often have you used these phrases:

“I can’t think of anything until after Christmas.”
“I need to make it through Christmas before I start any new projects.”
“I’ll rest after we get through Christmas!”

Father made the point that Christmas is not an event that we need to “get through” every year. We need to make a conscious effort to stay focused on Christ’s mission and the true meaning of Christmas.

When you are out shopping, take a look around you... pause and reflect… many will be going without gifts this year under the tree.

When you are cooking and baking… pause and reflect… many will be hungry.

When you are partying… pause and reflect… many are lonely.

When you are decorating make sure the nativity goes up first… pause, reflect and pray that we will all remember the true meaning of the Christmas season.

– God Bless, Holly Clark