Dear Parents and Friends of Saint Joseph:
Our lives are busy, filled with school and work and various events to attend. With the holidays upon us, it is difficult to slow down and focus on what is truly important during Advent and Christmas. It is easy to allow the busyness to consume us. We may fail to see Jesus in our lives - in the Sacraments, in the poor around us, in our communities, and perhaps in our own families and friends.
The season of Advent provides us with an opportunity to take a breath and spend time in personal reflection - to focus on Jesus and think about the importance of being ready. As Catholics, we spend our lives waiting for something bigger than anything we have ever imagined. We are waiting for the day when Jesus returns in glory. Advent is a time that allows us to prepare for this day, but also serves as a time to remember His arrival into our world more than 2,000 years ago. As we light the candles in our Advent wreaths, let us remember the light represents the promise of Christ's unending love for us when He returns. This is, indeed, something to focus on and slow down our fast-paced lives.
I enjoy listening to Christmas music during this time of year. One of my favorite artists is Amy Grant. The lyrics in "I Need a Silent Night" always make me stop and reflect each year as I listen to this song:
".... children are crying while mothers are trying to photograph Santa and sleigh. The shopping and buying and standing forever in line. What can I say?
I need a silent night, a Holy night to hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise. I need a midnight clear and a little peace right here to end this crazy day with a silent night. (chorus)
December comes then disappears faster and faster every year. Did my own mother keep this pace or was the world a different place? Where people stayed home wishing for snow, watching three channels on their TV. Look at us now rushing around trying to buy Christmas peace."
With the hustle and bustle of the season, may we remember to prioritize God at the top of our list. May we make the necessary changes to our daily schedules that allow us to fully prepare our hearts to grow closer to Christ. My hope is that our waiting this Advent season be joyful and fulfilling, a spiritual revival of our soul. In the quiet moments of this holiday season, may each of us find HIS
peace and
joy.
Wishing the Saint Joseph family a peaceful Advent and a blessed Christmas!
Susan Richter
