“Be patient, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

James 5:7-8

Are we there yet?

If you’ve traveled with kids, you’ve heard that phrase a million times. And you may be asking yourself that very question about Christmas.

We are a few weeks away from the day the savior came into the world to complete God’s plan of salvation.

How has your Advent journey been thus far? Has it been difficult? Stressful? Busy? Peaceful? Hopeful?

Are you ready for Christmas to be here? Perhaps you’re ready for it to be over?

This time of year is different for many people. The expectations of the perfect season can become overwhelming or the memories of past Christmas’s can shed sadness.

We have been challenged just like our ancestors in the Old Testament to be hopeful that someone is coming to make things right in our lives, to have faith and discover a peace knowing that God will deliver His promise and then to find joy as we wait patiently in great anticipation.

I think the invitation this week is to find a focus point that fills us with some form of joy as we wait patiently for Christ to enter our heart completely. Perhaps this focal point is a memory, an image, laughter of a child or friend. Embrace that present moment and allow that joyful filling to overflow within.

If we search deep enough, we will discover that even in the struggles, there is a sprinkle of joy that can overflow.

Categories: #Advent, Faith

Tags: #Advent, #Catholic, #Christian, #joy, Jesus