Fears and Tears

In Advent, Christians relive a dual impulse of the spirit; on one hand, they raise their eyes towards the final destination of their pilgrimage through history, which is the glorious return of the Lord Jesus; on the other, remembering with emotion His birth in Bethlehem, they kneel before the crib.” Pope Benedict XVI

The Lord has provided for me this past week. In the busyness of life, He has shown me His peace. I attended a beautiful Advent retreat at my Church and I took the time to be still. To be with the Lord and open my heart to Him. The Lord showed me that He provides for me. He showed me to remain in the present moment. He showed me that I can serve Him by being available and present with those who come into my path. He showed me that when I ask for help, it is provided. He showed me the way to peace.

The retreat concluded with a time for Eucharistic Adoration. In that time, with the Lord, face to face, He showed me that in the little and hidden way I serve Him, my light burns just as bright as others who serve Him in big ways.

The Lord made this known to me by the candles that were on the altar. There were many candles surrounding the Eucharistic Lord and they stood tall and uniform, but one was shorter than the rest. That candle burned just as brightly as the rest. The Lord showed me in the depths of my heart that I am like that little candle.

I am grateful to God for the gift of peace, because I know that Jesus is near. A most blessed Advent, as we draw closer to the Lord, who is the Prince of Peace. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem, may we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man. Pope Francis