Christmas Day – Cycle C
Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas this year? Because I’m sure I saw more presents for you, hidden under the tree and tucked away in secret places where you can find them at just the perfect time.
Here’s one addressed to you from “Heartfelt Compassion”. This present will open itself for you. You’ll feel your heart break open as you feel “’with passion” the daily struggle of a relative whose addiction has already strained the bonds of love in your family. It’s okay. Feel that tenderness and love for your broken relative once again. It’s Christmas for them too, with all its promises of God with us.
This next gift goes with it, so open up “Kindness” too. This is SUCH a perfect gift for you because it will keep surprising you all year! Watch for that thoughtful stranger who says, “I can see that you’re in a hurry and just have a few things to buy. Jump ahead of me.” It will show up in the surprise letter of gratitude from an old friend, or the sweet gift of taking out the trash which your spouse does every single day without saying a word. Or maybe it will be your adult child, who calls and says, “Remember how hard I fought to get you to let me hang out with my friends when I was fourteen? I’ve never thanked you for holding your ground and keeping me safe.”
There are lots more presents, and they all have your name on them. They are from Emmanuel, who promises to be with you in every struggle and every joy of the coming year. Merry Christmas.
What is your favorite memory of God’s presence with you?
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I have come to light a fire on the earth; how I wish it were already burning (Lk.12:49).
We lost a puppy to cancer this Advent season and laying him to rest and saying The Lord’s Prayer I felt the love of Christ suffusing all of us who were there. Saint Catherine of Siena’s beautiful words about Christ’s love for us never felt truer.
I have never doubted that God is with me ALL the time, no matter what. I thank Him many times during the day for the good things that come my way and for the things that initially, I don’t think are so good, but then I look for how that will change me into a person God wants me to be. I am a work in progress but through the grace of God.