Reconnecting

It’s the contemplative attitude of opening our eyes and hearts that we need to strengthen or recover, if we are to notice what’s happening during this holy time of year. That’s what Advent is about–noticing, appreciating, reconnecting, being present.

It’s a time for us to slow down a bit, to contemplate, to notice, a time to reconnect with what’s going on around us–with our family and friends, in the natural world, in our wider circles–a time to focus not on what we are doing, but on what God is doing in our world and in our life–to focus on God’s promise of salvation through the person of Jesus Christ. How is God saving me?

I pray that we take advantage of this season of preparation by becoming more aware of how the Spirit of Christ blesses us each day and points us to the freedom of the children of God, and for the change of heart that we need to be more faithful to the call of the gospel.

As we move through the remaining days of Advent to the beginning of the Christmas season on Christmas Eve, remember to pause every now and then, with open eyes and open heart, to take a long, loving look at the signs of God’s presence and God’s love all around you.

“O people of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to save the nations, and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your heart.” (Cf. Isaiah 30:19, 30)