Weekend Wisdom, December 17th, 2023
In this shortened Advent season, on this third Sunday, this Gaudete Sunday, Christmas is almost upon us!
As I have prayed through the scriptures, our daily Advent book, and my own Advent devotional, I’ve taken a few trips down memory lane. I’ve also stopped to consider how this Advent is different and unique.
As a child, Advent made me ache with excitement. The lights, the family, the gifts, the music, the friends…I just couldn’t get enough of it. You could see, hear, taste, smell and touch the joy.
Today, Advent makes me ache for a Savior. So much has happened since those days when the flame of the pink candle told our bright little eyes that Christmas was almost here. I have gotten married, given birth to three children of my own, lost loved ones, and battled loneliness and heartbreak as I walk in the world. With each new Advent and Christmas, I am a different person, sometimes wounded, sometimes healed, but always in need of the Savior.
And there, my friends, lies my hope for Christmas present. I’m a different person, but He is everlasting. Jesus comes every Christmas no matter what - war, famine, division, illness, hatred, darkness - Jesus comes. Not only that, but Jesus comes into my heart every time I receive the Eucharist. I participate in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus at every single Mass. His body and blood binds up my wounds and sustains me. Why would he have given himself like that if there isn’t hope? His very soul and divinity is given to us to be his hands and feet in the world until He comes again and His kingdom comes in its fullness.
So on this third Sunday of Advent, let us remember that Jesus came to a world, much like our own, that needed a savior. We are still a world and a people that need a savior and He still comes to us – at Christmas and at every Mass in the Eucharist. So let us prepare to welcome Him with hope and celebrate with great joy!
Blessings to you and yours,
Amberly Boerschinger
Director of Communications and Technology
