Christmas is a time of joyful Advent

Today is the beginning of the season of advent. It is a time of waiting - as Mary, the mother of God waited for the birth of her child. All of us remember the waiting for our children to be born.

Christmas is coming! Over the years I've experienced an incredible range of feelings about Christmas. As a child, I absolutely loved the presents, the Christ child nearby and angels singing. I love midnight mass with all the happy people, the beautiful music, the decorations, the food . . . and the presents!

As a mother, I wanted my children to have everything. I went overboard, as Phil occasionally pointed out.

Then, as they grew older, and eventually left home, each year it got to be really hard to have a "celebration" with some missing. Each year it felt more and more like chores, instead of fun!

Then I accepted Jesus as my Lord, invited Him into my heart, and He was real! The light returned and everything changed. Advent became my time of soul-searching, anticipation, actively waiting in prayer, meditation and study, learning more and more about the depths of His love for me and all of us!

Oh, it's my best season.

Christmas isn't about the presents and the hoop-la and all the glitter that seems to take over. It is the coming of hope and light into the world. Advent is our time to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah. Let's await Him with joy and peace.