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As we near the end of Advent, in this week’s Gospel, we hear the story of Mary–very pregnant with Jesus–visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who is also with child.
Scripture
Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them.”
— Luke 7:22
Reflection
A part of my family’s Advent tradition is to have everyone choose a name off the giving tree in the back of our parish church. The kids enjoy trying to find someone their age and maybe with similar interests. It is always eye-opening to me to see their reactions when they see those on the tree asking for basic things, rather than the latest, greatest toys.
Waiting for something—especially during Advent—can be really hard. The anticipation of what is to come can be overwhelming, and sometimes makes it hard to be on our best behavior. If there is a certain behavior I want one of my children to stop, I have found the best way to do it is to redirect his or her attention to something else.
If there is one thing I have always tried to emphasize to my kids, it is how fortunate they are. Of course, because they are kids, they do not always get it. To them, it is just Mom saying one more thing.
There are so many blessings we receive during the Christmas season (not just the gifts, kids!). We often have the chance to reconnect with family and friends either face-to-face or through Christmas cards.
Around this time of year, children often lose sight of the true purpose of the Advent season—preparing to celebrate Jesus’s birth. Unfortunately they are not alone—we adults also lose our way and get caught up in the frenzy of the pre-Christmas season.
