God's justice, compassion, and healing power can do amazing things, big and small, if you let Him in, if you invite Him into your life. This week, I had two writing deadlines due the same day. The first was today’s homily, and the second was a family Christmas letter. As I prayed and reflected on the tasks at hand, I had an inspiration for how to approach a Christmas letter in these unusual times.
As you know, Christmas letters are a year in review: updates on what we’ve been up to, including the lighthearted moments and a sense of gratitude. But this year has been different for all of us, and without our normal type of news, we’ve got limited material to report.
It reminded me of how we journey through each Advent, looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior, just as we have each year. However, what caught my attention was the hopefulness of the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and looking forward—and what it can mean for all of us if we take the time during these next nine days to pray, reflect on the Word of God, and our lives, go to Confession, and help those who are in need.
The main themes from today’s readings focus on God’s justice, compassion, and healing power. When we hear God’s justice, we might have some worry, but if we listen to today’s gospel, we’re reassured by God’s concern for all who need to be healed and the power of God to achieve it.
All of us want justice in our lives; we want fairness in how God, our family members, and even our fellow motorists treat us, and this is why it’s good to hear that not only is God just, but His justice is to rain down and grow up among us.
Just imagine what our families, neighborhoods, states, and countries would be like--if we could not only hear but also live what the prophet Isaiah conveys. Imagine what can happen if we pray for the ability to be just to both the people we like and even those that it’s hard to like? It could even improve not cutting in front of a person for that last parking spot at the Mall.
Imagine if we could go without hesitation to God in faith and hopefulness for ourselves and our loved one-- when we needed healing in mind, body, or soul—or the package plan.
My brothers and sisters, Advent is a time for carving out time to pray, reflect, repent and serve. It’s a time to recognize with gratitude the presence of God over these past twelve months and beyond, but it’s also a time to look forward with hope and joy—believing in God’s plan for us.
This year’s family Christmas letter might be short on news, but it won’t be on what we hope for with God’s grace this coming year!
May God bless you and your family this holy day as we prepare with hope and joy for Christmas!
