I hurried through the church doors just as the priest was about to begin the procession. He smiled, I said hello, and then I slipped up a side aisle.
It was Thanksgiving Day, and the pews were full, but I saw a space at the end of a pew, and I ducked into that spot. I was thankful for a seat, thankful to arrive before everything started, and especially thankful that my husband had offered to prepare breakfast so I could make it to Mass.
The opening hymn started, and as I glanced around the church, I looked up at the stained-glass window beside me. It was a scene from the Nativity.
There they were—the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and Baby Jesus—right next to me. I hadn’t sought out this spot beside this window. It had chosen me. The Holy Family was waiting for me.
Jesus was waiting for me.
That’s the beauty of Advent. No matter what we do to prepare, no matter what we take on for these weeks leading up to Christmas, Jesus awaits us. He is ready to be born into our hearts. And, as much as we might want to do to prepare for His arrival, we can find hope and peace in knowing that He will be with us. He is with us already.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
One Advent when our sons were preschoolers, I ordered several Advent calendars. There were cardboard shepherds to cut out and cows to move along a path. There were paper doors to open and prayers to say and stories to read. Two days into our preparation countdown, we were done. It was frustrating for little fingers and confusing to have to wait and too much work for Mama. I let the children open all the doors and punch out all the animals and tell the whole story.
This Advent, we will light the candles on our wreath. But we won’t remember every night. I will try to fit in daily Mass more often and make sure we get to Confession as a family. Maybe I can fit in an extra Rosary or two or just a peaceful evening by the Christmas tree. But I will not make an Advent checklist for myself. And I won’t see those steps as something I need to achieve before Christmas can come.
Like the donkey bearing our Blessed Mother, we already have enough to carry.
Like the shepherds in the fields, we have other tasks that occupy our hands and minds but we will answer the angels’ invitation.
Like the innkeeper, we will be asked to make space for more than seems feasible, but we will say yes.
We will turn the light on in the stable. And we will welcome Jesus into our hearts in a special way.
Because, of course, He is already there. He loves us. And being with each of us is the gift He wants most this Christmas.
May your Advent be full of blessings, hope, and peace.
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