December 3, 2007

The weekend after Thanksgiving, I went with a few other sisters to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Late in the afternoon the museum had a tree-lighting, which we decided to attend. The tree, set up in a central gallery, is elegantly decorated with angels, candles (electric), and bows. Surrounding it, on a large platform, is a beautiful Italian nativity scene.

For a few moments all was in darkness. Then a light shone on the Christ Child, and as this light grew and spread to illumine the crèche scene, the candles on the tree brightened, and Christmas carols, as if sung by angel choirs, serenaded us from above.

How beautiful, I thought as the light spread from the Baby Jesus, that here in the midst of New York City, a crowd of people was reminded of what Christmas is all about – the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

This message sounded clearly to the young woman standing behind me. I had been chatting with her as we waited, and now that the lighting was finished, I turned to ask her how she liked it. She replied that she needs to do more things like this as Christmas approached. Then she added, “I’m beginning to hate Christmas.” Taken aback, I paused, considering the possible causes of such a strong statement. Settling on the most probable, I asked, “You mean because things get so busy at this time of year?”

“Yes,” she affirmed, and again expressed a desire to re-focus on the true meaning of Christmas. She added a desire to slow down and to find time to serve the poor. I encouraged her in all of this.

The problem this young mother is facing is not strange to us. We know it well in this busy, materialistic driven culture. The question is: What will I do about it? What will I do about it this Advent?

As we begin Advent, we would do well to make one or two realistic resolutions to help us prepare for the coming of Our Lord, for the celebration of His birth. Spending a little more time in prayer, attending daily Mass (even once or twice a week), praying the rosary, or meditating on the Sunday gospel readings are all good ways to slow down and truly prepare the way of the Lord. Also, as Advent is a penitential season, we could make some sacrifice and also do something to help the poor (especially hands-on service). Before Christmas, it is wonderful to make a good confession.

Whatever we do during this Advent season, let us strive to prepare our hearts for Christ and to keep our eyes on Him, the Light of the World.

“O Dayspring, brightness of eternal light and Sun of Justice, come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Amen.”

Sr. Cecilia Jesse, CFR

Our Lady Queen of Angels Convent, New York, NY

___________________________________________