In the early days of Advent, the ‘Prayer after Communion’ included the words, “for even now, as we walk amid passing things, you teach us by them to love the things of Heaven and hold fast to what endures.”  Having experienced many Advent seasons, I know the truth of the words, “We walk amid passing things.” Still, I prefer to contemplate the words, “Love the things of Heaven and hold fast to what endures”.  

God endures. Hence so do faith, hope, and love.  While I always want my words and actions to reflect these truths, it seems particularly important during the Advent season.  Each of us has our part to play in letting the Light, who is Jesus, break into the darkness of our day.  And truth be told, it is oh so important that we be intentional.

For many years, my wife and I placed a sign in front yard that read: “Wise men still seek him.”  This year, because of a reorganization of our basement undertaken by one of our sons, I couldn’t find the sign.  So, we bought a new sign and placed it in our front boot room window.  It declares, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”   For it is Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, some two thousand years ago.  It is Jesus who is the light who shines brightly in our Advent of 2024, with whom we walk as we live out all our days.    

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Even as I try to focus on Advent and ponder things that endure, Christmas preparation is filling greater parts of my day.  The family has already gathered for our annual visit to the Christmas tree farm.  While Grandpa was on hand, I stayed just far enough back from my wife, our six adult children, their sweethearts, and our grandsons.  I wanted to be part of the action but not in the middle of the fray.  I observed their happiness and laughter, and the good-natured banter as they considered each tree.  They chose well and Grandpa was given the first cut with the saw.  Our tree now fills the corner of our living room, nearly touching the ceiling of our century house.  

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This morning, I was up early.  With Rosary in hand, I decided to sit in an old rocking chair in front of the Christmas tree.  This time alone with Mary and her son, and Millie our big white dog, gave me the space to do my Advent reflection, pondering the things that endure, while also enjoying the beauty of the tree lights and decorations, the things that are oh so beautiful, but also passing.   

As I thought of passing things, my mind goes to those loved ones who are no longer with us, but who still shine brightly, in our Christmas memories.  In particular I think of mom and dad, and my mother-in-law, who I used to call the Matriarch.  I can still picture my father, kneeling in front of the family Christmas tree, he with a Santa hat on his head, thoughtfully distributing gifts to his eight grandchildren as they brimmed with anticipation.  When my thoughts turn to my mother, I think of her sitting beside her Nativity scene saying her morning prayers, and also her watching lovingly as her youngest grandchild placed baby Jesus in his crib.

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In the early years of marriage, I remember Christmas in Cincinnati, as we would visit Jennifer’s family.  Grandma Rose, widowed far too young, would be the centre of the action.  Her loved ones would accompany her to midnight Mass.  She would then be in no hurry to leave, as she prayed before Jesus in the parish Nativity Scene.  When she got home, she would immediately busy herself, staying up all hours of the night lovingly preparing Christmas dinner for her 12 children, and those of us blessed to be part of the Gerrard family.     

The days just ahead are a wonderful time of reflecting on cherished memories, Advent contemplation, and Christmas preparation.  May the anticipation of our saviour and the things of Heaven, endure in your thoughts, warm your heart and be the blessing on your lips this Advent Season.  Merry Christmas from the McAvoy family to yours.