Dear AGAC friends,
As we begin the second week of Advent, now is a good time to take stock of how our preparations for Christmas are going. Have you put up your Christmas tree at home? Have you bought gifts for your loved ones? What about the spiritual side of getting ready for Christmas? Quite often, we start strong, but then we fade after a few days. If that describes you, do not be discouraged; for you are not alone. We can pause and restart our Advent journey.
This Sunday, we are lighting the second candle on the Advent wreath—known as the Bethlehem candle, which recalls the preparations Mary and Joseph made for Jesus’ birth. Their preparations were probably not unlike ours when we’re looking forward to the birth of a child. They undoubtedly wanted to be sure their baby would have the necessary stuffs and a shelter for life in this world. As told in the nativity story, however, they were interrupted in so many ways. Yet, they had never lost peace in preparing for the birth of Son.
For many of us, the days leading up to Christmas are among the busiest of the year. In the midst of all, we are invited to reflect on the peace Mary and Joseph experienced during their journey to Bethlehem. As we’re getting ready for Christmas, let’s prepare the way for the Lord and make our hearts the new Bethlehem where Christ will be born.
Peace in Christ,
Yukiko
