Advent, The New Year and You

Advent has begun this Sunday and it is the new liturgical year.  This, also, brings on the anticipation for the birth of Christ and the celebrations.

In the northern hemisphere, it is a time of shortened days where Christmas and the beginning of longer days almost coincide.  Like Lent, this should be a time of reflection in which we should consider the blessings of the past year and contemplate what a new year will bring to us. It is a time to reflect upon what our new year resolutions will be.

So, instead of the dreads and the stresses over the right presents to buy, the reunions with family members with whom we don’t see eye-to-eye, and the financial demands of the season, take a break and reflect upon the blessings that each of us do have.  And, think of those blessings and the consolations of God and His strength through bad times over the past year.

Try to keep in mind the admonition of Jesus to “not let your heart be troubled.”  All is certainly easier said then done but take a moment to do so each day.

In Jesus Beloved Son: Daily Advent Meditations and Prayers by Henri J. M. Nouwen, there was a prayer for the day yesterday that we should, probably, keep in mind and say daily, “Dearest Lord, help me overcome my insecurities and discover what it is you want for me.”  At all ages and stages in our lives, this would certainly be appropriate for each of us. First, to overcome our insecurities which we all have in some respect would be a wonderful blessing from the Lord.  Second, to discover and learn what it is that He wants for each one of us.  This part of the prayer is interesting.  The first part of the prayer is paying to Him for His help so we are, in so doing, doing the talking to God.  The second part of the prayer is asking Him guidance for our life so, in this part, God will be doing the talking and we will be doing the listening. 

In praying, we are usually doing the asking of God but do we spend enough time in listening and meditating upon His desires for us in our lives?  I suspect not. Most likely, we think that the listening is only an activity the saints do.

Plus, we do not think we are worthy for God to speak to us.  Well, we do believe and accept the concept of inspiration.  And, the word comes from the concept that the idea or prompting comes from the spirit - divine inspiration?  The Holy Spirit?  Find out for yourself and let me know what you discover. 

Since the last blog I have been reflecting on how to deal with the beginning of Advent ane the new liturgical year and now you have it.  Share your thoughts with me and please...

Let me know what you think.

Let the light of our Lord shine upon you!

REM (Ray Makowski) Co-Founder, Director and Secretary-Treasurer