Christmas is almost upon us again. As we get older it is not unusual to feel time passing at what seems a faster speed. Not only this, but celebrations that used to fill us with joy and wonder can become routine, losing the sparkle from our youth. This sparkle can be re-invigorated when we see thesecelebrations anew through the eyes of our children, and in later years, our grandchildren.
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Before Christmas arrives, we have the season of Advent, a time of preparation. Unfortunately, in our
consumeristic society, by Advent our Christmas celebrations seem to be fully underway. Carols have
already been playing in our shopping centres, decorations are on full display, and the first of the many
Christmas parties have started.
I find it interesting how many people decry the increasing commercialisation of Christmas, and yet each
year we all find ourselves getting caught up in the unavoidable. I don’t say this to be an Ebenezer Scrooge
about Christmas but more to ponder out loud, how we might find space for an Advent type preparation
amidst the noise and bustle going on around us.
Firstly, we need to think about what Advent is preparing for. Advent has two goals, to prepare us to
celebrate the season (12 days) of Christmas, and to prepare us for Jesus’ second coming.
Preparation to celebrate the season of Christmas does mean engaging in the commercial side, buying
presents, cards, and food. Getting our homes ready for family and friends. However we should also
balance this with the knowledge that our time together is more important than how much we have spent.
Don’t peak too soon. How often do we get to Christmas day and think “Thank God that’s over for another
year?” It is almost impossible to spend Advent in a time of fasting and prayer, but we can make conscious
choices not to overindulge.
To prepare for Jesus’ second coming we should be using Advent as a time of spiritual spring cleaning.
What habits of faith have we let slip over the year? The first Sunday of Advent is the liturgical calendar’s
New Year’s Day so starting afresh makes some sense.
When we get to Christmas Day, try to come to it with the wonder of a child. Listen to the Christmas story
in the carols that we know by heart. Look deep into the manger scene at the Christ Child lying helplessly in
the hay. Empathise with your parish clergy trying desperately to say something new and interesting for
their umpteenth year.
Personally, when I look into the manger scene I can’t help but
hear Jesus words “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
De Colores
Fr Mark Cooper