What are You Preparing for?

From John & Kathy, Our Lat Directors

Happy December!

I love this time of year when there is so much celebrating! Thanksgiving leftovers have just been finished, and Christmas cookies and candies are being made. Festive music is playing EVERYWHERE, and people generally look a little more joyful, even if they also look a little more tired with all that needs to be done for the holidays.

Advent, which takes up most of December, is meant to be a time of celebrating, too. The readings from the beginning of Advent remind us that Jesus’ second coming could occur at any time, that we don’t know the day or the hour, but that it is a reality. For us who follow the Lord and try to live the life He outlined for us, it is exciting to think of the time when Jesus will come again. The readings from the end of Advent follow the Scripture of the first coming of Jesus as an infant, with Mary’s incredible story of an angel asking her to take on the role above any role that has ever been given, to become the mother of God. And Mary’s response? From Luke 1:38, “Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’” Mary’s words encourage us to listen to God’s invitations for our lives, opening our hearts to accepting our roles in the ongoing salvation of the world.

What are you preparing for during this time of Advent? Peace for many in my life is a common prayer for me: peace in families, peace amidst the busyness of the season, peace for those struggling with serious illness, peace for those learning to live without loved ones who have passed to eternal life. There are many who need the peace of Jesus. Let us take the opportunities to share the peace of Christ that we experience with those for whom peace is difficult to find, so that perhaps they can find peace this Christmas!

Know that you are in our prayers for a Blessed Christmas! DeColores!

Kathy Otermat

John Lyons