With Christmas approaching many people are joyful because of the birth of our Lord. It is a time of renewed faith, and the preparation for the coming of Jesus. At the same time, many people get distracted from the real meaning of the holiday. Author Toni Sorenson said, “The true Christmas spirit is putting others’ happiness before our own.” Even though rampant Christmas commercialism adds to the delight and festivities, spending time with loved ones and spreading cheer and joy is the key to happiness during this season.

In addition to praying and reflecting on our blessings, Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart from 1911-1914, wrote that, “The Presence of God is the best remedy against pride, vanity, sadness, and resistance. It gives the three lights we pray for in the blessing of the candles: Light without, to see our way for action; light within, of the Holy [Spirit], for our inner life; hereafter, light eternal: we pray that we may be presented in heaven like the lighted candles in our hands, that is especially the light of faith; we may go and ask it with assurance of Our Lady who has in her arms the Light of the world.”

To be happy this season, we should trust that whatever happens is God’s plan for us. Spirituality helps us accept that everything in our path is exactly as it’s supposed to be and we have much to be grateful for in the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Photo: The Intermediate School Advent Prayer Service