December 2020
Reflections of God's Goodness
Can you feel it? Can you hear it? Do you see it? Christmas is coming and despite the extraordinary disruption and anxiety we have endured, we have hope.
Will this Advent and Christmas be different this year? At first glance, it may seem so, but Jesus comes no matter what.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone.”
These words speak to me as I think of the state of the world. We could certainly call it the ‘land of gloom’! If I have stressed anything over these months of living under the restrictions of the pandemic, it is that each of us always has a choice.
We can focus on the confusion, the sickness, the political unrest or whatever grabs our attention or feeds our fears. Or, we can look to the promises of God, his answers, and his protection. I encourage you in these Advent days to seek out the light Jesus offers. The light of His Truth. The light of His Word. The light of Eternal Life.
“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
Celebrate, wait, and prepare. Light a candle each day in Advent, spend a few minutes to breathe deeply and ground yourself in the present moment.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.”
Discover the wonder and awe that is already here. Continue practicing gratitude, giving thanks for all that is good in your life. Acknowledge your fears and your grief at the loss of things normal and loss of connection to others. Offer them to God in prayer. He is present in our sadness. Focus on the light.
"But you are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so you may announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were ‘no people’ but now you are God’s people. . . . "
We are God’s people, waiting for Him to be born again in Bethlehem and in our hearts. Let candles be a symbol of the light of Christ. Fill your home with candlelight this Christmas and let the light lead you to Jesus. Take joy and solace in the light Christ brings to our lives.
The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!
May your Advent preparations lead you to the deep peace God offers us.
Blessings and Peace,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
