Reflection

Gospel

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’” as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptise if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptise with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptising.                        John 1: 6-8, 19-28

Reflection

Advent is such a hopeful time!  We adults understand preparing space for the graces of the coming Christ, making room in our hearts for peace and the promise of Christmas.  I love the mindful effort, particularly in the midst of all the other preparations that seem to draw our attention from this more sacred task.

For the children among us (or for those of us with childlike spirits!) folklore and the "possibilities" of a Santa gifting only to "good" children looms large!  Do you remember as a child hearing ‘be good’ because Santa was watching??  I certainly do!  And in a family with many siblings, we worked a bit to hold each other accountable to the impossible expectation of perfect behaviour.  Or, we may have occasionally tattled out of childish jealousy, thinking we'd set ourselves apart as most deserving!  But at the end of each holiday, I recall that we all knew we were lucky, and grateful for what we had received (although I'm confident we lacked the perspective to know just how privileged we were).

Thank you, LORD, for giving these readers and all of your children the light of life, and being ever-present with us.  Throughout Advent and in preparation for Christmas, may we all be aware and give thanks to you for your light, your presence, and all of our blessings.  For those who may lack awareness of these gifts, we ask that you grant them your peace and your grace.  Amen.  

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader