Like travelers, who have lost their way, we wander through the Advent season forgetting our blessed destination. Because we have taken our eyes away from the star, which is burning brightly in the dark sky, we feel disoriented. We are like people caught up in a hurricane and there is no peace or serenity. We need to move toward the eye of the storm, where it is calm, and look up. Christ’s light is there shining in the darkness of our emotional night. We must keep our focus on Christ and His light. It will guide us, in spite of our present circumstances.
The cause of our emotional hurricane can be triggered by a number of reasons. We feel burdened by all that we need to conquer before “the big day arrives.” It could be the illness or the death of a loved one and we cannot see the light of Christ. We might be alone and feel forgotten. We, or a loved one, may be out of work, and the idea of giving, places a tremendous sadness and burden upon us. Maybe we are all prepared, yet still feel sadness because loved ones do not celebrate the true reason for Christmas. Whatever the case may be, we need to remember what the Advent season is all about. The swirling winds of our hurricane need to be diminished. We have to lift our eyes to the heavens and hold on to the hope that our God holds out to us.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life” (Jn 3 vs 16).
God became man! That little infant in the manger is God! Do we truly realize and accept this magnificent event and all that it means?
“And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child” (Lk 2 vs 3-5).
These last days of Advent, recapture your hope. ~~ Climb upon the donkey with Mary. Wrap your arms around her. Feel the Babe move. Hear your heart sing! Allow St. Joseph to lead you, realizing God is with you throughout all of life’s journeys.
When Mary and Joseph said “yes” to God, they had no idea where the road would lead them. They probably never imagined all the obstacles they would have to conquer. Their hope and faith in God helped them to remain steadfast, trusting in His plan.
“While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Lk 2 vs 6-7).
Enter the stable. Take it all in. Walk to the Infant. Pick Him up. Hold Him close to your heart. Look at Him. Kiss Him. Hug the baby Jesus. Tell Him you love Him. Thank Him for becoming man. Now go over to the corner with Him, away from everyone. Whisper your pain. Tell Him your cares and concerns. Share your joys with Him as well. Ask for His help. Beg for His peace. Look into His eyes and share your tears of sorrow. Allow His gaze of love to heal your heart. Soak in His love. Accept His gift of peace.
Place Jesus back in the manger. While smiling, thank Mary and Joseph. Ask for their prayers and blessing. As you’re walking away thanking God, you realize that your heart feels lighter. Your pain has been eased. Your angst has been relieved. Hope had been restored. You know you are not alone.
As you continue this journey of life, be encouraged by the gift of the Infant in Bethlehem. Journey there when life becomes difficult, while holding on to His gift of hope.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name Him, Emmanuel, which means, ‘God is with us” (Mt 1 vs 23).
Avia Joy, that is such a beautiful post!!! You are truly inspired by the Holy Spirit! Come Lord Jesus, make our hearts a worthy manger for you!
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