How will you feather His bed?
Here it is the first Sunday of Advent…already! Although this day begins the Liturgical year and the start of Advent, it is also a reminder that Christmas is a scant 4 weeks away. That thought always made me cringe BF (before Francis!) How would I get all the shopping done, write all the cards, bake, wrap presents, decorate the house after a thorough cleaning. Whew! Makes me tired even writing all those tasks.
AF (after Francis!) I have an entirely different perspective on Advent. It is not the switch that starts the countdown to Christmas day, but a beautiful reminder that we are preparing for the birth of a precious Child.
This is a joyful time given to us to prepare for the birth. Lent is so very different. That time is sorrowful knowing that it will culminate in the death of Our Lord. But, of course, there is the glory of Easter that follows. We spend Lent making sacrifices, giving up things that bring us pleasure, offering up whatever is difficult about the journey and feeling empty from 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday until we take part in an Easter Mass.
Advent is a much happier time. I believe instead of giving things up we should add things to our daily living. Be nice to someone! Hold the door for the person behind you. Allow someone to pull in ahead of you in traffic. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time. Help an older person get their groceries into the car. Cut yourself a break trying to finish the long list of tasks. Follow the reverse Advent Calendar that was sent out a few weeks ago. Do something positive!! Each thing we do will add some comfort to the bed of the Baby Jesus. How will you feather His bed this year? I pray that you find a way that pleases you both!
