Luke 1:44
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
We are just four days from Christmas Day. Advent is nearly complete and hopefully your spiritual journey through advent has been positive. All of the Christmas decorations are up and most all of the shopping has been completed. Now, we wait.
As a child this was the most anticipated time of the year. It was full of hope, joy, mystery and anticipation. It was FUN! Yet I remember my mom telling me that for some people, it wasn't a happy time. I didn't understand that at the time, but now that I'm later in life, I do understand. Many of us have various melancholy thoughts, memories, wishes, lost loves, and empty hearts. I've had my share of loss and I miss those family members and loved ones that have gone on to their eternal reward. It's hard to dig ourselves out of the pit of despair. It's easy to wallow in pity. In fact, that's what the evil one wants from us. Satan wants to distract us from the love of God. But at the end of the day, we are called to turn to God, to find that light, that spark of hope to pull ourselves up and find a way to see joy for ourselves and give joy to others. We've probably all been around that person that has the proverbial dark cloud around them. Their despair brings everyone down. We are called this advent season to keep things simple, to reflect on the everyday gifts that God gives us. Don't worry about the Christmas gifts, just focus on the little gifts. For like Jesus and John at their greeting, when the sound of your voice greets loved ones, their hearts will leap for joy this season.
