Day 19 of Advent

Julie Z. (2008)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit”

 These words spoken by Jesus have always bothered me.  Who wants to be poor in spirit?  It implies weakness—wimpiness.  What can be so blessed about that?
     In the daily devotional that I have been using, the author, Brennan Manning, opened my eyes to what “poor in spirit” really means.  It is to be empty, wiped out, lost, bewildered, scared, scarred… to be at a point where I need God.  When I am full and all is well, I can get along jut fine on my own.  In fact, when I am full of myself, there is little room for God.  To be poor in spirit is to be ready to accept forgiveness, to be on my knees reading up, to be open to God’s Grace.
     Wow!  What a gift!  When I need it most, God is there to fill my heart with tenderness, to fill my mind with wisdom and my soul with peace.

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Dennis B. (2011)

I understand that Advent means coming.  It is not just the coming of the Holiday season with gifts and family time and feasting.  It is also the coming of our Lord as the Son and God to this earth.  That is a miracle in itself.  He was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  He came to this earth to teach us how to live and love one another.
     The most important thing is the coming again of our risen Lord on judgment day.  He is the savior for all sinners who believe in Him. This is a joyous season with the news that Jesus came to save sinners who believe in Him.  That is the best gift God could give to us.

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Mary K. (2005)

I seek to be “in touch” with Jesus throughout the year, but, particularly during the Christmas Season.  When I feel that I am listening and following our Lord, my life is calmer, happier and more meaningful.  When I allow all the “busyness” to take the lead in my life (particularly during the holidays) all the little things seem to become sooooo much more dramatic, demanding and distressing.

It is at this point in time that I usually step back and think, “Oh Lord.  This is all too much.”  This is when a quiet voice will remind me it’s not too much.  I’m just making too much of the little things and not concentrating enough on what is truly important in my day.  The voice reminds me to love our Lord.  Love each other and remember always that love begins at home.  This is why I need to stop and seek Him.