A Season of New Beginnings

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!