Well, Christmas is just around the corner.  How has this Advent been different from other years?  Still the same old hustle and bustle—the baking and buying, the parties and fatigue?  There is a cure!  There is a solution to the same old, tired and haggard Christmas rush:  Reflection and Reconciliation.

Have you taken time to reflect on why the rush and push?  Is it all being done for Christ or for others without a thought of Him?  Are you feeling tired and worn out?  If you are, stop and reflect on the meaning of this Advent Season.  Invite Christ in and allow peace and joy to rule your activities and events.  Jesus is the reason for the Season.  Through solid, prayerful reflection we are able to center ourselves on what is most important.  By doing this the baking and parties and presents make more sense and become rooted on our Christmas Heritage.

Another way to center on Christ during Advent is through reconciliation or confession.  There will be a Communal Penance Service on Wednesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the church, plus other opportunities to refresh the soul.  Seek out Christ in the confessional.  Ask for healing and forgiveness so that when Christ comes, He will be able to rest in our cleansed and pure heart—one that is at peace with God and our neighbor.  By doing these two things a proper spirit to Advent and Christmas begins.  Then and only then will all the other things have made sense.  Reflection and Reconciliation the true rest and relaxation for the Christmas Spirit!