The Best Gift Ever

     I was so looking forward to Advent this year! I was tired of straddling the fence in several areas in my life, and saw Advent as a perfect opportunity to rid my heart of clutter. I intended to work hard to purify and cleanse my heart, making it ready to receive Jesus on Christmas morning.

     But as we lit the pink candle on our Advent wreath last Sunday, I quietly cringed inwardly. On some fronts, I was doing very well, but in one area in particular, I was ashamed.

Something Strange is Happening

     Something strange is happening -- there is a great silence on the earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. God has died in the flesh and hell trembles with fear.
   

Keeping Company with the Angels

     “When you awake in the night, transport yourself quickly in spirit before the Tabernacle, saying: Behold, my God, I come to adore You, to praise, thank, and love You, and to keep You company with all the Angels.”                                                    St. John Vianney



     What a beautiful devotion St. John has proposed to us! Waking during the night, can be annoying – especially when you are weary and tired! We toss and turn and try our best to get back to sleep. When sleep evades us, it becomes a problem. By adopting St. John’s practice and putting it into play, we change a negative situation into a moment of grace!