Amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and holiday parties, the advent season is a special time to quietly reflect on Christ and all he brought into the world. As Catholics, we are called to love and serve in the same manner that he loved and served—which involved bringing peace, comfort and physical provision to the poorest of the poor.
So as we enjoy family, friends and festivities this Christmas season, may we also remember those around the world who are hungry, alone and in desperate need of material care and the life-transforming love of Christ our Lord.
Please join us in this familiar advent prayer:
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of your Father and ours. Receive my prayer as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God’s own work of justice.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace: peace in the world, peace in my home, peace in myself.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father’s joy. I seek his will so I can serve with gladness, singing and love.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace that is right to bring to the manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the life begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son.
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail. Amen.
-Annie W.
