Tuesday, December 15, 2009

HOW DO I ACHIEVE JOY THIS ADVENT SEASON?

Gospel Reading today: Mathew 21:28-32
"Which of the two sons did what the father wanted?" Mathew 21:31

How many of us mothers are doing what the father wants us do this advent season? Are we consumed with marking off our to-do list or the father's to do list? This truly is the most wonderful time of year but sadly enough our world has made it the most stressful, hectic time of year. I think it is a miracle in itself that music about Jesus, Mary & Joseph, angels, heaven & kindness are played everywhere you go in a world that has taken out God and Christ in most everything, even in Christmas. But how many people's hearts are so numb and cold that they let the beautiful words go in one ear and out the other? I was determined this Christmas to embrace it with excitement and joy instead of worry and stress. I am refreshed and inspired by the mothers I have talked to that have only three presents this year for each child as a symbol of the gifts of the wisemen. One tired, yet joyful mother of a newborn told me she has spent a total of $80 on all three of her children this year. She is an example of the Blessed Mother to me this year, as she holds her newborn and chases her 20 month old and 4 year old. She is doing the best she can to just survive and serve her family each day while going on no sleep. No doubt she is checking off her to-do lift for the Father this advent season and He is pleased.

I read this this morning about the difference between happiness and joy. Samuel Gordon has written that joy is a distinctly Christian word and a Christian experience; "Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort. Joy has its spring deep down inside, and that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy. He had joy, singing its music within, even under the shadow of the cross. Joy, then, is the echo of God's life within us." The best way we can achieve this joy is through prayer.

So, I challenge all of you tired mothers this advent season. To achieve the greatest joy and to en-joy the Christmas season, rise early before your children get up. Turn on your Christmas tree lights, sip on a cup of coffee or Tea and just be with Jesus. Offer up a morning prayer, the rosary or just sit in Christ's presence. You will feel an extra kick in your step and a joy that you have been longing for. I guaratee or your money back that you will feel more energized by this simple remedy than that extra 30-45 minutes of sleep. Your day will go so much smoother and you will feel that spring of water running deep inside your soul.

Another remedy that will give you that kick in your step and joy from heaven is the spirit of giving, which is what the season is all about. Make your to-do list full of more simple ways you can give to others. Take your children to the closest nursing home. All you have to bring is yourself and some little smiles and you will do more for those lonely people than you can ever imagine. If you are not a baker, just buy store bought dough and bake off some cookies with your children and take them to neighbors. It doesn't have to be anything fancy for it is not about the cookies; however, it is about teaching your children one of the most valuable lessons, the joy of giving.

So today, try giving to others in simple ways.....a smile, a "merry christmas", buying someone's coffee behind you in the starbucks line, an email or phone call to a loved one, visiting Jesus in the Blessed sacrament, giving your children extra hugs and kisses, giving your family more time of just YOU. This is what the season is all about. Spend time with Jesus in the morning to get your day going right and feel his loving presence and joy all day long....that is the greatest gift you can give Him, yourself and your family this holiday season and all year long!

Blessings to you this Tuesday!

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