We have just crossed the half way mark of the 4th week of Advent. A time where Christians ought to examine and prepare themselves spiritually, to be reconciled with God in order to fully welcome Jesus back into our lives this Christmas. This presents a great opportunity for those of us who have somehow or rather strayed and drifted away from our Lord's grip!
In last weekend's Gospel, Luke reveals to us that Mary experienced what was to be, a concoction of fear ,anxiety and perhaps doubt due to the uncertainty of how things would subsequently unfold, having been greeted and foretold of her role in God's divine plan which sets the tone to our salvation history, by Angel Gabriel. Despite all this ,she responded with great faith and trust in God, " Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word."(Luke 1:38)- Mary's own special way of saying YES to God! How many of us are able to say YES with such unwavering faith when things don't go our way? How many of us are able to fully trust in the Lord in times of uncertainty and distress ,allowing him to take control and not rely on other means ? How many of us are still willing to bear witness to Christ in the midst of this secular world of distractions? These questions and many more , represent the many challenges faced by Christians today.
This Christmas season in itself is one such big challenge - for us Christians to bear witness to the truth. What truth ? That the gift to all mankind from God has been revealed to us 2000+ years ago in a lonely manger and is still relevant in our lives today. This gift which goes beyond all gifts that any Mall could possibly offer is meant to be shared for all. The only gift that we will ever need. Once again ,the material and commercial success of the "Secular Christmas" fantasy of sumptuous treats and indulgences have masked and robbed away all the glory of the truth which took place in that lonely manger. We must not allow that stab of Ham, that log cake , the fattened turkey , the gifts we pamper ourselves or others with , the carols and glitter of this 'white christmas' ,or in short , objects that do not make the slightest reference to the truth or represent it, take centre stage and overwhelm us.
We can only pray that these distractions will inspire and prompt individuals to ask questions about this season which will in turn (i hope) set them back on that right path and lead them to the golden origins. Indeed, this has always seem like, to me , a dark season for Christians, but also one which presents to us a chance to shine forth as bearers of Christ's light for others to see. To bear witness to the truth by proudly proclaiming with joy that we are waiting for Christ to re-enter into our lives this Christmas and to rejoice that our savior is born and is with us - our Emmanuel ,Christ Jesus. This season of advent is meant to prepare us for all of this. If you maybe 'distracted' with all that is going on in the secular scene, perhaps this tradition hymn ,written and composed sometime in the 15th century will help you find some focus...
