Reflection for December 23
The brightness of the season begins with the first Sunday of Advent. The engaging light illuminates my journey through this joyous season and is felt in so many ways at home and in my parish. The specialness of this most holy season begins.
Growing up, it was the traditional adventure to Constitution Plaza in Hartford the day after Thanksgiving with my mother and sisters to see the holiday lights that began the secular Christmas season. It was joyous and never felt like the “Black Friday” shopping frenzy of today. The city lights seen from the windows of the car on the way home brought a smile and eager conversation to my sisters and I, as we prepared to pepper my father with fun facts of what we saw that night. The eyes and minds of children brightened.
Advent’s light continued among the gentle lights of my family’s Christmas tree. With records playing Bing Crosby, the tree illuminated the Nativity Scene at its base and sparked a yearning for all that the holiday season could hold. I would lay under the tree’s gentle glow for hours and think of Mary and Joseph’s journey. How special to see the Holy Family within the manger, with the shepherds and sheep nearby.
The Nativity and its story from over 2000 years ago echoed through my upbringing. Yet again, the holiday lights sparked the eyes of a child. To think also of when Santa would arrive, of the Super 8 camera my father would hold and of how he would greet me on Christmas morning as my sisters and I held hands coming down the stairs. Another special light of the season.
Advent always included the light of tapered candles at the dinner table each evening, illuminating a traditional white birch log centerpiece decorated with red and white poinsettia flowers. It also sparked comments from my father of not being able to see one’s food. Oh, the joy that still brings to make me smile each time I eat at a candlelit table!
As an adult, Advent continues to brighten my memory as I bring my family into the holiness of the season. It is a time for lighting the way for others to meet Christ through me. Brightening my life are the patient days awaiting Jesus’ birth with my husband and children. The Catholic Church is my family, too. I am blessed by the birth of Christ and all that his arrival holds. Delight and happiness abound!
Heavenly Father, may our days spent awaiting your son Jesus’ arrival this Advent season brighten our hearts and minds. May the birth of your most precious son bring the brilliant light of your love to us this year. Most importantly, grant us the ability to share the light of Christ with others and help us bring them closer to you and to the love of your son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ginette Kempf