“Keep vigil!” was Francis key message today. “Be mindful of the difference the Lord’s coming (or not) makes in us. Is there a place for the Lord, or only for parties, for shopping, for revelry ... Is our soul open, as is Holy Mother Church and as was the Virgin Mary? Or is our soul rather closed, with a “Do Not Disturb!” sign hung on the door to it?”(12/23/2013)
Crazy at it seems, the approach of Christmas is probably one of my least favorite times of year. Don’t get me wrong, it has nothing to do with the birth of Christ of which I am eternally grateful. Instead, it has more to do with the pressures of the secular world.
No matter how hard I try to get things done ahead of time, or keep my focus where I would like it to be, I constantly seem to be doing a check list in my head. A great distraction to the real meaning of Christmas.
I do not have a “Do Not Disturb” sign, but when He enters my “inn” is so crowded with other guests I cannot even make my way to His presence. I feel like I am at a party seeing the one person I want to speak with across the room, but I am unable to get there because of the crowds.
Don’t get me wrong, I love to see family and friends, but as with many other families, Jesus is often not the reason for the season! Sadly, it is like this every year, that is why I love the fact Christmas consists of many days!
Once the presents are opened and the wordly celebrations are over, in the quiet manger of my soul filled with it poverty, I am able to welcome the presence of the baby Jesus and contemplate this birth of Mercy Himself. I am reminded of why He came to earth and the great gift of our salvation found in his suffering, death, and resurrection.
If you are suffering from a past abortion, and have hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your soul because of fear of condemnation, take it down this Christmas season and put out your welcome mat! Meditate on the mystery of our redemption born to us this Holy Season.
You may not feel it yet, but “Emmanuel, God is with Us!”, come for the redemption of our sins, even the sin of abortion!
