You know, as much as we bemoan the fact that the secular world thinks of Advent as more of a shopping season than a religious one, there is one thing that almost everyone, Christian or not, still gets right about these weeks of preparation for Christ’s birth.
Getting into the Christmas spirit.
And sure, when people say they’re getting into the Christmas spirit, they often just mean that they’re feeling joyful and excited about the upcoming holiday.
But even the most secular person also recognizes that an integral part of the Christmas spirit is an increase in living out certain virtues.
Generosity.
Kindness.
Helping the less fortunate.
Ultimately, the Christmas spirit is all about charity.
In other words – it’s all about love.
As Catholics, we understand more fully that Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
We go to confession.
We pray and sing around the Advent wreath.
Amidst all the bustle of the season, we try to focus on growing closer to this God who loved us so much that he sent his only Son to save us.
And while not everyone understands it, there’s a reason that the Christmas spirit is such a compelling concept for this weary world.
It’s because that spirit embodies the secret to growing our love of God – a love that every human being longs for, whether they know it or not.
In today’s Sainthood Snippet, I share part of a lesson from the Science of Sainthood program that explains this practical secret to growing your love for God.
With just about two more weeks left in Advent, now is the perfect time to ramp up your spiritual preparations to welcome the Christ Child into your heart.
I pray that you have a fruitful Advent getting into the Christmas spirit!
God bless!
Matthew
