As we begin the season of Advent leading to Christmas, so comes the hustle and bustle of this annual holiday season. It's easy to get wrapped up in the craziness of this most wonderful time of the year and lose sight of what is really important - and what this season is all about.

Jesus.

We wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Advent, which marks the beginning of our church year, is a time for this waiting. Waiting and watching. Anticipating new birth. New life. Not just celebrating the birth of our Savior, but also new life within ourselves. Advent is a time to reflect on our present day life and listen to any call God might be sending us. Perhaps it’s a call to make a change in our daily lives; perhaps a yearning to walk more closely with our Lord – to deepen our own relationship with Him or with those around us, or even with Him through those around us.

The Gospel of Mark ( 13:33-37) teaches us that we are to always be ready, and to be on watch for Jesus’ return. Advent is a time to reflect on our own personal state of affairs, so to speak. Are we truly ready? Are we really prepared? If Jesus came back today, would you be ready?

At a Mass I attended several years ago during Advent a priest told the following story and it made quite an impact on me. I found it very powerful and thought provoking, so I’d like to share it with you now.

Mary's Dream

Joseph, I had a funny dream last night. I don't really understand it; but I think it was about a birthday celebration for our Son. I think that was what it was all about. The people had been preparing for it for about six weeks. They had decorated the house inside and out, bought new clothes. They'd gone shopping many times and bought elaborate gifts. It was peculiar, though, because the presents weren't for our Son. They wrapped them in beautiful paper and tied them with lovely bows and stacked them under a tree. Yes, a tree, Joseph, right in their house. They'd decorated the tree also. The branches were full of glowing balls and sparkling ornaments. All kinds of lights and goodies all around. Then on the top of the tree there was a figure. It looked like an angel might look. Oh, it was beautiful. Everyone was laughing and happy. They were all excited about the gifts. They gave the gifts to each other, Joseph, and not to our Son. I don't think they even knew Him. They never mentioned His name. Doesn't it seem odd for people to go to all that trouble to celebrate someone's birthday if they don't even know Him? I had the strangest feeling that if our Son had gone to this celebration He would have been a complete stranger. Everything was so beautiful, Joseph, and everyone was so gay, but it made me want to cry. How sad for Jesus - not to be wanted at His own birthday party. I'm glad, though it was only a dream. How terrible, Joseph, if it had been real.

Peace in Christ,
Melissa Knoblett-Aman