Each advent season we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior on Christmas Day. We have four short weeks to “prepare the way for the Lord” Mark 1:3. Such preparations might include prayers using an advent wreath, setting up a Christmas tree or setting up a Nativity Scene.

Just as Jesus came into the world as the “Light of the World”, we each have a responsibility to bring light into our environments. More than ever, our world needs this light. Extending assistance to someone in need, visiting the sick and homebound, being attentive and really listening to someone who is hurting, are all ways in which we can bring light into the world this Advent. We each have a unique set of gifts and talents that can be used to be light in this world.

One way that we can bring light into this world is by sponsoring a candidate or working a Cursillo weekend. Would someone in your environment be a possible candidate for Cursillo? Start by praying for discernment. Working on team is a growth opportunity for the team members and provides an opportunity for candidates to experience Christ’s love.

Perhaps a meditation for this advent would be to think about who has brought light into your world. Maybe it’s your spouse, or a good friend who has helped you through a really difficult time. Consider telling that person how you appreciate the light they have brought to you. A note of appreciation might brighten their day. If the person that you are remembering is no longer alive, remember them in prayer.

An idea for meditation that can result in action is “Do I treat everyone I meet as I imagine I would greet the Christ Child?” The sense of awe and wonderment that we have of Jesus’ birth should be the same feeling we have towards everyone we encounter, as each person is a child of God. This idea can be summed up in the lyrics from a popular Christian song: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see you.”

We might try to meditate on why God didn’t come to earth fully grown. This might lead to understanding that growing, learning, and living the Cursillo Method is part of what God wants us to experience. Working a weekend is a way to further our knowledge. Grouping with someone new who recently made a weekend might bring new life to your group.

As we carefully unwrap our decorations and set up the tree and nativity scene, we should contemplate how we will treat each person we come into contact with this Advent and Christmas season. They are infinitely more valuable in God’s eyes than the decorations.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Advent!

Yours in Christ,

Tom & Diane Repucci