Waiting for Christmas 

   “I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18: 3, Jerusalem Bible) 

   If we want to experience advent to the fullest we must look to the children.  They might not know what advent means but they know how to look forward to Christmas with great joy.

   We need to remember that joy, the joy we all experienced as little children.  We sat before the Christmas tree wondering what was in the brightly wrapped packages, hoping it was what we had wished for.  We might have sat on Santa’s lap telling of our hoped for gifts.

   We no longer believe in Santa Claus and Christmas has become far too commercialized and degraded by society.  But we can still look forward to it with the same joy and anticipation of a child.  Trusting that it will come offering the gifts of love, forgiveness, and mercy to a sinful world.

   The greatest gift was never placed under a Christmas tree but was laid in a manger.  He was the Son of God, come to give His life for our salvation.  It was appropriate that He be laid in a manger, a feeding trough for animals.  He was and remains the Bread of Life, giving His life for us on the cross, and giving Himself to us at every Mass in the Eucharist.

   There were no toys for Jesus at Christmas but there were gifts.  The gift of an angelic choir singing praise to the newborn King.  The gift of the shepherds as they came to give Him homage.  Kings brought Him gold, for the King of the world; frankincense, incense for the eternal High Priest; and myrrh, an embalming agent for His burial.

   Children know how to anticipate Christmas even if they don’t fully understand its true meaning.  Those of us who do understand can learn from them how to anticipate Christmas and celebrate the greatest gift ever given. 

We celebrate Your coming as our Savior.

We receive You in the Eucharist.

We anticipate Your coming in glory.

Come soon, Lord. 

Amen