The Perfect Gift
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15
Everyone knows how much I love the holidays. The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year. It combines my two loves, my family and shopping. I love the sights, sounds, love, and energy that is alive at the holiday season. I enjoy spending time with my family near by and those that come from out of town. It is a time of year that reminds me that God has given us so much!
Amidst all the gifts of the season, we must remember that God sent his Son, Jesus, to be born as a human baby on the very first Christmas as the greatest gift of all. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall perish but have eternal life.” God loves us and gave us a gift that cannot be matched the perfect gift, a Savior. This is a wonderful season for sharing the reason we celebrate.
As much as I love to shop, I remind myself that the love and giving of the holiday season is what is important.
Activity: this time of year presents great opportunities for us to us to tell people the reason this is the most wonderful time of year. Invite friends, neighbors, or family over for coffee and desert. Take the time to share and remind each other of the things that we are thankful for this holiday season. Even if is as simple as just sharing a cup of coffee and conversation with someone that you are grateful to have in your life.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Unity in the Faith
God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. Act 17
I love Christmas time. I love the excitement of the people and how this one time of year we come together to help each other. But the most exciting thing is the birthday of Jesus. As we celebrate the hoilday lets not forget to be kind to people. When you do little things for others, you do big things for Jesus.
I love Christmas time. I love the excitement of the people and how this one time of year we come together to help each other. But the most exciting thing is the birthday of Jesus. As we celebrate the hoilday lets not forget to be kind to people. When you do little things for others, you do big things for Jesus.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The Light That Shines The Brightest -- December 6
Advent is a time of reflections on many different things. It evokes thoughts of friends and family, near and far. Memories of past events dear to our hearts. It is a reminder of the blessings we experience throughout each year. And it also reminds us to let those we care about know we love them.
We are bombarded with so many sensations. On a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last month, I was amazed that the malls and shopping centers were already decorated. And in a place that has never seen snow, the decorations resembled our own -- Christmas trees, cottony snow, Santa (they call him Papai Noel). And all kinds of colored lights with various phrases or just decorating things. Light seems to be a core sensation to any celebration.
For me, because of my background, Advent most brings to mind a different kind of light. And serves as a reminder of my faith and thankfulness for the Savior who died for me. Jesus Christ, the Light of The World, has provided more color and light to my world than any decorations could achieve. And He alone is the best reason for any good cheer that any of us might possess.
Born to die. When I think about that it just continues to amaze me. Jesus came for one purpose: to die. I am 38 and he lived less years than me, before dying a terrible death for all of us. And He went willingly, joyfully. The sadness He exhibited was due to our sin not his own regrets. He continues to stand out all over the world as a reminder of the greatest love the world has ever known. And His Light shines brighter than any other during this Advent season.
The star atop my Christmas tree, always reminds me of the star of David, which led the wisemen to the tiny baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. Is there anything so innocent and pure as a baby? And how long does it take most children to lose some of that purity? Yet Jesus never did. He kept it throughout His entire short life. He walked the Earth with more passion, love, and understanding than any of us have ever shown or known. And He continues to walk with us today with the same passion, love and understanding.
During this Advent season, I hope that you, like me, remember the Light that shined the brightest. And give thanks. If you don't know Him, you should get to know Him. He will truly Light up your world.
We are bombarded with so many sensations. On a trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last month, I was amazed that the malls and shopping centers were already decorated. And in a place that has never seen snow, the decorations resembled our own -- Christmas trees, cottony snow, Santa (they call him Papai Noel). And all kinds of colored lights with various phrases or just decorating things. Light seems to be a core sensation to any celebration.
For me, because of my background, Advent most brings to mind a different kind of light. And serves as a reminder of my faith and thankfulness for the Savior who died for me. Jesus Christ, the Light of The World, has provided more color and light to my world than any decorations could achieve. And He alone is the best reason for any good cheer that any of us might possess.
Born to die. When I think about that it just continues to amaze me. Jesus came for one purpose: to die. I am 38 and he lived less years than me, before dying a terrible death for all of us. And He went willingly, joyfully. The sadness He exhibited was due to our sin not his own regrets. He continues to stand out all over the world as a reminder of the greatest love the world has ever known. And His Light shines brighter than any other during this Advent season.
The star atop my Christmas tree, always reminds me of the star of David, which led the wisemen to the tiny baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. Is there anything so innocent and pure as a baby? And how long does it take most children to lose some of that purity? Yet Jesus never did. He kept it throughout His entire short life. He walked the Earth with more passion, love, and understanding than any of us have ever shown or known. And He continues to walk with us today with the same passion, love and understanding.
During this Advent season, I hope that you, like me, remember the Light that shined the brightest. And give thanks. If you don't know Him, you should get to know Him. He will truly Light up your world.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
December 5
Taken from "Daily Devotions for Advent" by Joyce Rupp
We can have the best eyes in the world, but in pitch-black darkness, our eyes are of little use to us. We need light in order to see our way. Advent is a season for Christ, our Light, to break through our spiritual darkness. When I consider the shadows that pervade my heart, they are usually the results of the way I see things. This seeing involves illusory notations I have of other persons, limited understandings of a situation, and unreal expectations that I foist upon others.
Sometimes my lack of seeing is due to my failure to know myself as I truly am or because my blind spots hide a part of myself from me. It always takes a while before I have the eyes to see how foolish my thoughts, feelings and actions are. I come to see more clearly when I accept the guidance and insight offered to me by the Indwelling Christ. The light of this inner guidance is essential for my spiritual growth and well-being. Without this devine direction I would continually judge others falsely and unkindly.
Jesus told his disciples they were fortunate to be able to see what they did. He helped them look beyond and beneath their limited perceptions to the deeper reality of each one's goodness. Jesus continually guided his disciples by the light of his message, encouraging them to understand and accept the kingdom of love. It was up to them to follow and live out the clarity he offered to them.
Today's Reflection: I will look with the eyes of Christ on one person or situation that causes me distress.
We can have the best eyes in the world, but in pitch-black darkness, our eyes are of little use to us. We need light in order to see our way. Advent is a season for Christ, our Light, to break through our spiritual darkness. When I consider the shadows that pervade my heart, they are usually the results of the way I see things. This seeing involves illusory notations I have of other persons, limited understandings of a situation, and unreal expectations that I foist upon others.
Sometimes my lack of seeing is due to my failure to know myself as I truly am or because my blind spots hide a part of myself from me. It always takes a while before I have the eyes to see how foolish my thoughts, feelings and actions are. I come to see more clearly when I accept the guidance and insight offered to me by the Indwelling Christ. The light of this inner guidance is essential for my spiritual growth and well-being. Without this devine direction I would continually judge others falsely and unkindly.
Jesus told his disciples they were fortunate to be able to see what they did. He helped them look beyond and beneath their limited perceptions to the deeper reality of each one's goodness. Jesus continually guided his disciples by the light of his message, encouraging them to understand and accept the kingdom of love. It was up to them to follow and live out the clarity he offered to them.
Today's Reflection: I will look with the eyes of Christ on one person or situation that causes me distress.
Monday, December 3, 2007
December 4th
Given that I attended a Jesuit high school, I naturally was introduced to the stories of some famous Jesuits throughout history. Few are more famous than the founder of the Jesuits: St. Ignatius of Loyola. He is often associated with two prayers. They are both listed below. Pray both with particular focus on each part and how it relates to your life:
Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will.
Daily Challenge: Today, tell people compliments and express your appreciation for their presence in your life. Sometimes little comments or acts of kindness can make an immediate positive impact. Tell someone they look nice today. Tell a friend thank you. Tell a loved one that you appreciate them. Mend broken relationships. It is simple and powerful.
Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will.
Daily Challenge: Today, tell people compliments and express your appreciation for their presence in your life. Sometimes little comments or acts of kindness can make an immediate positive impact. Tell someone they look nice today. Tell a friend thank you. Tell a loved one that you appreciate them. Mend broken relationships. It is simple and powerful.
December 3rd
This advent can be especially meaningful if we remember the Golden Rule: Treat others the way we want to be treated. Be loving, forgiving and generous.
Daily Challenge: We are likely to be in a situation during the day where we need to wait. Whether it be a line at a store, traffic, hold on the phone or the elevator, take the time when you are waiting to say a prayer. Say thanks and ask for grace to make you a better person.
Daily Challenge: We are likely to be in a situation during the day where we need to wait. Whether it be a line at a store, traffic, hold on the phone or the elevator, take the time when you are waiting to say a prayer. Say thanks and ask for grace to make you a better person.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
December 2nd
I want to take this first post to explain what I hope everyone will get from this blog and this Advent. I intend for everyone that views this and participates in its content to reach Christmas with a jump start in faith, hope and love. The content here should vary greatly from author to author, so the reflections should also be fresh. Everyone I invite to participate should also invite others to view this site and participate. I want everyone to enjoy the different reflections, witnesses, stories, and comments. Use this site to make your Advent season more meaningful and have a great Christmas and New Year!
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