O ur preparation for Christmas should be anticipation that God will rescue us from all the sin and suffering in this world that separates us from God and from each other.  That rescue is for all of us, regardless of our afflictions.  We should all be anticipating the celebration of God’s justice and peace and how it fills our hearts and lives.  And we should share that peace in some very concrete way with the poor and the afflicted so that they too will feel the presence of Emmanuel and experience a sense of the peace and justice God wills for us all. 

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Jeremiah 23:5-8

Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19

M atthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; (19) and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (20) But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; (21) she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (22) All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: (23) "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). (24) When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife.

Meditation by Barbara Dilly (Creighton)

A dvent is anticipation!  But most of us don’t think about what we are to anticipate in the way that Jeremiah foretold.  He spoke of the coming of a new age, of justice and of restoration.  So does the Psalmist for today also speak of anticipation.  Now is the advent of peace, rescue from affliction, and the fulfillment of justice!             

In this time of holiday busyness, it is not easy to think about the people who are afflicted with injustices, poverty, and pitiful circumstances and anticipate their rescue.  And further, it isn’t easy for the afflicted to be comforted by the good news that God is in their midst when they read it and hear it.  Their experiences shape for them quite a different reality.   It would seem that the lessons for today and the story of the birth of Jesus are irrelevant for the world in which we live.  It’s a lot easier to reduce it all to a consumer fun fest and family festivities -- something concrete that we can relate to. 

But it is more fitting at this time of Advent that we take out time to reflect on the message of peace and justice God sent in the birth of Jesus and to make ourselves ready for it to be a concrete reality.  Our preparation for Christmas should be anticipation that God will rescue us from all the sin and suffering in this world that separates us from God and from each other.  That rescue is for all of us, regardless of our afflictions.  We should all be anticipating the celebration of God’s justice and peace and how it fills our hearts and lives.  And we should share that peace in some very concrete way with the poor and the afflicted so that they too will feel the presence of Emmanuel and experience a sense of the peace and justice God wills for us all. 

As I grow older, I find myself anticipating more and more that peace and justice that the Psalmist says will flourish in fullness for ever.  The world is often a very cruel and unjust place.  As an anthropologist, my participatory observations of the poor and the afflicted bring their lives very close to mine.  But the Christmas season is a special time when I can recognize that God is with us in the midst of it all.  It’s a time to celebrate God’s glory and peace here on this earth.  It is also a time to commit myself to more fully participate in helping to bring justice to the afflicted in very concrete ways. 

We usually get more blessings out of the Advent season if we anticipate the coming of the Christ with peace and justice than if we anticipate the gathering of friends and family with food and gifts.  We also feel that presence more when we center our anticipation in the midst of poverty and pain.  While parties, presents and laughter are also gifts from God, we should not lose sight that only a privileged few enjoy them in this world.  It bears repeating that the true gifts of Christmas are peace, justice, and love for everyone.  It is my prayer that during this Advent season, the anticipation that God rescues, renews, restores, and redeems us through the birth of Jesus is my heartfelt focus.  I also pray that this time of anticipation will lead me to more concrete ways to share God’s peace and justice on earth.    

Supplementary Reading

PRAyERS AND mIRAClES

Let it be done to you according to your faith. – Matthew 9:29

T he weather forecast said there was the possibility of afternoon rain for the next three days. Our silver wedding anniversary was scheduled during one of those days and it included a Mass and renewal of wedding vows in a garden setting.

So my husband and I turned to prayer as recourse, believing that prayer is the strength of men and the weakness of God. The Lord answered our petition with a cloudless afternoon, refreshing wind and a magnificent sunset during our celebration.

We turn to God for everything, especially when it involves things beyond our human capacity. Although we pray for everything, we also do our part in making the miracles happen in our lives. Our prayers for good health will not be answered if we do not have discipline in our eating habits and our lifestyle. And while we pray for financial blessings, I achieved the status of top sales performer with hard work.

In every miracle, God takes care of the supernatural while man lifts up his petitions to the heavens and does honest toil. --- Donna España

REFLECTION:

When you pray for a miracle, do you do your part to make it happen?

Lord, I stand in awe of You for all the miracles You have done in my life. Thank You for the power of Your Name.