As I thought about today, the first day
of Advent 2014, I am reminded of all the new beginnings that are part of this time
of year.
Thanksgiving Day - November 27, 2014
A day marked by the joining of the
Pilgrims and Indians in a meal of thanks for the wonderful harvest and new
friends and family. Thanksgiving continues to be celebrated across the United
States as a time to gather with friends and family to give thanks to all the
blessings received over the years. It is a time to reconnect and enjoy the
company and love of those dear to us. May your life be full of thanks and
remember that we are called to give thanks daily for the blessings in our
lives.
1st Day of Advent -
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Today marks the start of a new year in
the Catholic Church. The new year fittingly begins with Advent a time of
preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Not only are we called to
prepare for Christ's birth on Christmas Day but reminded to live daily in
anticipation of Christ's second coming.
The Advent season consists of the 4
Sundays prior to Jesus birth on Christmas Day. As we step into this new church
year, we are challenged to take a step back to reflect on how our lives are
beacons of Christ's light to all those we encounter.
- How do you share Christ's light to your parents, children, husband/wife, grandparents, and other family members, to your friends, coworkers, neighbors, and people on the street or in the store?
- As we begin this new church year, what are ways you plan to take time to listen and speak with our Father, to deepen that relationship with Him?
- Are you ready for Christ's second coming today? If not, what changes shall you make to be prepared for His second coming and celebration of Christ's birth on Christmas Day?
Birthday - December
11, 2014
Two weeks prior to celebrating Christ's
birth is another special birth in my life, the day in which I came into this
world as a living being called to be a disciple of Christ. This past year has
been a year full of many blessings and reminders of my call to be disciple of
Christ. I pray that as all these new beginnings are upon us that I take the
opportunity to be more diligent about stopping to listen to our Father and to
be a beacon of light to all those I encounter. I pray for guidance and
direction through a time of discernment of God's calling in my life.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2015
On Christmas Day, the journey of Christ
began with His humble birth in a manger. As we start the journey remembering
His life and adventures to the Cross, we are reminded of our humble existence,
that life struggles equip us with strength to endure future challenges, and
that He came to save us from our sins as we are not perfect but all loved sons
& daughters of God. We are here to share His love to all and to do good for
the betterment of our world until we come to rest in Heaven.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2015
Many people look at this day as the
start of a new year/new beginning as we celebrate a national/worldly holiday with
the start of a new calendar year. For Catholics, it is also a celebration of
the Solemnity of Mary-Mother of God, a celebration of Mary as mother of Jesus.
Solemnity of Mary is celebrated this ‘eighth day’ of Christmas, which
accordingly was the day of Jesus circumcision and given his name. Instead of
setting new goals/beginnings, may we look at the challenges we placed in front
of us at our own birth or the start of the new church year and renew the
promises we made to ourselves and to our Lord at those new beginnings?
May this season of new beginnings be
one full of blessings, love, and reflection!
Thanks to all who read this blog and
silently provide prayers and support for me and all those in our world!
