The Most Wonderful Time...

As we enter into Advent and Christmas draws near once again, I find myself reflecting on the relationship between Christ's first and second comings.  I am, of course, aware that that is what we're supposed to reflect upon during Advent.  (Why did you think I was reflecting on it?)

Being in a country that is still, to me, a foreign one, I have a new perspective on the concept of waiting for God's saving work to come to complete fruition at the end of time.  You see, I live in a mission country for the Church and the perspective on the Trinity, the Church, and the human experience, is largely far removed from my own.  Yet even in this beautiful land, where Christ is, sadly, not accepted, He is still visible.  If you know where to look, you can find Christs presence in limitless places.  It is such a beautiful truth, for which I am exceedingly grateful!

Yet I do not belong here.  I do not mean that I don't belong in this country, but rather that I do not belong in this world.  None of us do.  We were created for something far greater and more wonderful.   We are but pilgrims, like the wise men, journeying towards our Savior.  I've had a rather easy time keeping that sense of being a pilgrim alive since I moved here.

Now that Advent has begun, that feeling has been increased fourfold.  I am away from my earthly home, I am in a land where Christmas is not widely celebrated (even commercially), I am away from my Heavenly home, and it's a time of year when things would ordinarily be quite different.    All of these things serve as wonderful tools to turn my mind towards Heaven and the coming of the Lord.

Christmas and the surrounding days is my favorite time of year.  There is a deep sense of family and love associated with this time in my memory.  Little tokens, given in love are the best gifts of all.

Soon, Christmas will be here.  Let us commit ourselves to careful and loving preparation of our hearts, minds, and souls.  Veni Domine!