Meditation Before Christmas

Stressed out about finding a last minute gift? Still didn't send the Christmas cards? Ran out of tape for the wrapping? Still getting the house ready for the guests? Worried about bad weather for traveling? ?????

It seems that Christ's coming into our world and God giving us His Son has brought a lot of stress around this time of year! Actually, no, it's NOT God who is bringing this stress---it's ourselves---it's our culture and our materialism...

Isn't it ironic that the Savior and Lord of the World was born in a poor stable on a cold night, forgotten by all but a few angels and shepherds, when our children sit on "Santa's" lap and tell him what THEY WANT for Christmas! Instead of telling Santa how they have given THEMSELVES to the Baby Jesus through acts of charity and penance, they go say "I WANT...".

The giving of material gifts should NOT be our focus this Christmas. This Christmas let's meditate on how we can really give of ourselves to God, our family, and OTHERS! Let's not focus on ourselves and our personal desires but learn to mortify ourselves and to like Christ give what is most precious---OUR VERY LIFE!

Esther from A Catholic Mom in Hawaii has a good meditation from the Imitation of Christ that I highly suggest you read and meditate on. It is very powerful!