While We Are Waiting for the Birth of Jesus: By Mary Wroblewski

December is upon us, no sooner than usual, yet it always seems to be a surprise.  Instead of getting swept up in the hustle and bustle, and the hunt for the perfect gift…let it go, and settle for a simpler, calmer December. Use your talents and resources to bring your family to Jesus; give your family the gift of preparation through this sacred time of Advent, which this year begins on Sunday November 30^th.

Advent signifies the preparation and anticipation of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the beginning of a new liturgical season.  There is no greater gift than to prepare our hearts and souls, and guide our families through the meaning of this sacred time, and, the WHY, we want to present our souls to Christ dusted, swept, shiny and new.  Why do we want our souls perpetually ready? Because we will not know the day or the hour of the second coming. 

Traditionally families celebrate the Sundays of Advent with the lighting of a candle (4) ensconced in the Advent Wreath.  A prayer is said when the candle is lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas.  Many families will repeat this each night of the week before sharing the evening meal together. You might consider, low lighting, TV off, and no electronics at the table, creating a time of reverence during the meal…your meal may be very simple, consisting of soup, cereal, or a sandwich.  You don’t need to be fancy to create an environment of calm and reflection with your family, even if it only lasts for the brief duration of consuming a meal together.

 The first Sunday of Advent symbolizes HOPE (purple candle), the second Sunday, PEACE (purple candle), the third Sunday, JOY (pink candle) and the fourth Sunday, LOVE (purple candle).  Can’t find colored candles? Use white, and use ribbon to signify color.  There are different ways individuals and families may approach Advent, but whatever your tradition, what’s most important, is that the candles remind us of the overflowing hope, peace, joy, and love that the birth of Jesus means for each and every one of us.  I cannot think of a calmer, more unifying experience for a family, than preparing for the birth of Jesus together. 

During this season of preparation and the birth of our Lord, let us unite in prayer for the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love, and may the light of Christ be a beacon for all of us.

Merry Christmas Wayne County!