It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

“The most wonderful time of the year” is often considered not so wonderful. Complaints abound about the commercialism of the season, all the while participating in it through ‘necessary’ attendance of office parties, neighbor and family parties, and the unspoken perceived demands to give and receive gifts. The church adds to the festivities by celebrating the beginning of a new liturgical year with Advent and its many rich liturgical celebrations and Holy Days of Obligation, adding to the complaints about the hecticness of the season and a deepening of spoken longing for ‘simpler times’ of old. Yet before we begin to think that the past was better than today, let us ponder the words of St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582):

How is it, my God, that you have given me

this hectic busy life when I have so little time

to enjoy your presence.

I know that you are constantly beside me,

yet I am usually so busy that I ignore you.

If you want me to remain so busy,

Please force me

to think about and love you

even in the midst

of such hectic activity.

If St.Teresa of Avila could speak to the Lord acknowledging the hecticness of her day and still be able to praise the Lord for giving her the busy work, how much more so can we? We can make it the most wonderful time of the year by being Light for others amid the Chaos of Life! The symbol of the candle shining in the darkness by itself brings a sense of calm, peace, and hope. For many people this time of year, the season brings darkness to the soul. Could it be that as we bustle about in frenzy God is calling us to be the light and Peace that others need?

Let us ponder the words of Howard Thurman:

I will Light candles this Advent.

Candles of joy, despite all sadness.

Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.

Candles of courage for fears ever present,

Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,

Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens.

Candles of love to inspire all my living,

Candles that will burn all the year long.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!