Christ Needs You for Christmas

12-18-2016Weekly ReflectionFr. Brian Jazdzewski

I suppose many of us are finding some respite from political campaign ads, conversations and phone calls duringthis post-election time. Meanwhile, we continue to hear about the latest decisions about our president-elect andthe media commentary which accompanies those decisions. Furthermore, in the midst of politics, we continue tofind ourselves immersed in the activities which surround this time of year, secularly known as “the Holidays.” So, aquestion, are you making a good Advent? After all, Advent 2016 is almost the longest it can ever be and you stillhave time to immerse yourself in the graces of the season.

Advent ought to be preparing us to prepare the way of the Lord. Consider some other matters which may already be within your consciousness. First of all is the violence, war and destruction which continues to overwhelm people in the Middle East. We are well aware that human beings are dying in Syria on a regular basis. Whether we embrace their religious affiliation or not, innocent lives are disappearing because people are choosing not to get along. Also, we mourn the loss of Christian lives in Egypt, where, during worship, a bombing occurred in the church. Another question, are you sincerely praying for world peace in Advent and always?

Then there is the reality that consumerism pervades our American culture. Think about some of the Christmas greeting cards you receive. Some of those cards reflect a nifty family event or record children growing up. Another question, do Christmas greeting cards really reflect the presence of Christ?

These matters, and many others, lead us to a significant point. Christians are to Keep Christ in Christmas! What those four words mean is that a strengthening sense of Christian identity is not for someone else. Our role is to work against that tempting thought in our mind and replace that thought with Christian identity being for you and me. Christians intentionally work to renew the face of the earth. Christians intentionally make choices which further the Kingdom of God. Christians intentionally work to bring Christ into daily living.

Now, in order for those goals to be achieved, each and every Christian ought to embrace the spirit of this season, including obedience to the words of John the Baptist, repent. An honest assessment with self reveals that we constantly fall to temptations and sin. Each and every one of us make choices directly or indirectly to turn away from God. An example? Getting lost in the secular events of politics, consumerism, and making self a priority (listening to the inner voice which says someone else can do that). These and other examples are just small ways we deny the presence of Christ among us.

The Gospel, the Good News, reminds us that no one is beyond the mercy of God. We also remember that no sin is so bad it cannot be forgiven by God through the Sacrament of Penance. Part of our Creed mentions that we believe in the forgiveness of sin; sometimes we need to act in ways which reflects our belief. So, the good news is that some days of Advent remain for us to prepare the way of the Lord into our lives and personal lives. We are also promised the goodness of God as we journey through the most blessed days of Christmas. And, early in 2017, we will have the privilege of observing Lent with minds and hearts renewed. Taking the life of Christianity is serious work, which the Lord called you to at your baptism. The final question, if we are not going to intentionally bring Christ into the world, who will?

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