Clergy Corner
Here we are in the first full week of December and many have begun their Christmas preparations. I’ve seen many colored lights outlining roofs, trees and shrubs blanketed with lights and many yards and parks donning some of our favorite Christmas characters. I know many people who have their Christmas tree up. Of course, there’s the shopping, which now-a-days seems to occur year-round, that is ramping up in earnest now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us. We really do put a lot of time and effort into fussing with decorations, wrapping gifts, and stressing about the gatherings leading up to that big day when the man in the funny red suit and snow-white beard will come.
All this muss and fuss is fine as long as we also remember that we are in the season of Advent. Also, a time of preparation, Advent is when we must be preparing ourselves. Spiritually and faithfully, we must examine our hearts, our relationships and our connection with God. Instead of getting all wrapped up in our secular activities and devoting our focus to those things; we must divert some of our energy and time to that which is truly most important. Preparation for the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.
Preparing our minds and hearts to receive and welcome this unimaginable gift of LOVE from our very creator means we must allow our hearts to be softened. Allowing them to be receptive, open to forgiving and to be forgiven. Often one of our greatest challenges is forgiving ourselves, but fortunately for us God sent his Son or should I say gifted us with infinite GRACE. All we have to do is accept the gift with humble contrite hearts.
As we march on, ever closer to that BIG day when we once again remember and celebrate the “Nativity of our Lord” let us actively prepare our hearts to receive the “Light of the World.” The light that never fades!
May you all have a fruitful Advent and a very BLESSED and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Deacon Gary
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