On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Gospel takes us to a tender and joy-filled moment: Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45). This encounter between two women of faith—one carrying the Savior and the other His forerunner—brims with the Holy Spirit's presence and points us toward the heart of the Advent season.
Today, Gaudete Sunday, is the midpoint in the Advent Season. It is a day of rejoicing that the Lord will return in glory. Many times though, the realization that Christmas is just ten days away causes stress when we consider all we have to do between now and then! There's decorating, grocery shopping, baking, cleaning, the gifts we still have to buy, the handwritten cards, letters and e-cards. The list goes on and on. We can just feel overwhelmed and ask ourselves how can a season of joy cause so much anxiety!
A week and a half ago, we celebrated Thanksgiving. A time for family and friends to gather and give thanks for the friendships, love, and connection among each other and for God. Today, we are invited to continue to give thanks to God. We hear in Psalm 126 “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”
January 1st is traditionally the day that people begin their New Year’s resolution. Usually, these resolutions involve some physical challenge. Maybe it’s to eat healthier meals, exercise, lose weight, join a gym, hire a Trainer or Life Coach, etc… Certainly, these are noble goals that are good for our body’s health but what about the health of your soul?
This King – this Jesus – lived 2,000 years ago and His life ended in total rejection, shame and betrayal. Who honors such a king? Why can’t these Christians see all the damage their religion has done through the ages? What is this Kingdom their Messiah wanted to establish?
… Gratitude is one of the easiest ways to connect with God. Gratitude is also one of the greatest ways to get out of self-pity or to get out of the dumps. Gratitude is simply a wonderful way to pray and realize how much God does indeed love us.
