In Preparation

This week is the last week of the liturgical year. Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of Christ the King. We are preparing for the coming of Jesus and the upcoming Advent and Christmas season. Advent starts next Sunday, and it's a time for preparation for Jesus' birth and a very special, holy and joyful time of the year. It also starts the beginning of  a new liturgical year.

It's kind of crazy to think that this year of 2018 is also slowly drawing to a close with only a month or so left. With thanksgiving recently happening, I'm trying to reflect upon all that has happened and all that I am grateful for this year. It can seem like a lot and maybe even a little overwhelming, but I see it as a good challenge to think and see all that God has done for me, specifically this year.

I'm also wanting to reflect on all that I have learned, gained and grown in spiritually this liturgical year. As the priest said at Mass today, we are reliving Jesus' life throughout the liturgical year and it is the only way to live. All ways of living and cultures will die and fade away, but Jesus' way, the Christian way will live on. I really like that message, to remember that all throughout the year we are journeying on Jesus' life and growing and experiencing our faith with Jesus close by.

I remember I went to a Young Adult Christmas dance last year. It was the eve of the liturgical year, and it felt like a New Year's Eve party liturgically because Advent was soon approaching. I took a break from dancing and reflected upon the year and looking forward to the next, with the upcoming Advent and Christmas season. This year, I want to create that excitement in me again. To prepare for Jesus' birth, to grow deeper in prayer and set time for reflection and solitude. It is a busy time of year, with the commercialization of Christmas and the push and pull of shopping and running around town, slipping into the necessity of buying and buying some more. I think we can get caught up in how things are supposed to be this time of year and to reach a certain level of holiday cheer. The real meaning and value is preparing for something bigger and greater. It's something of peace and gentleness and full of love. Jesus reigns and has won the battle for us by being nailed on the cross and dying.

"With true humility, he, God, stooped down to our humanity in suffering and shame, and conquered pride and worldly pleasure and prestige. And with his wisdom he conquered the malice of the devil. So with unarmed hand, nailed fast to the cross, he defeated the prince of the world, with the holy cross as his mount." (The Magnificat).