This Special Time

 It's such a special time, anticipating to celebrate our Lord's birth and closing out Advent, and soon this year. This time of year comes around and I can't help but hold onto it as I realize how holy, special and beautiful it really is. Although this year is different with less family coming over and gatherings and its more simplicity, if you will, it also embodies the first Christmas when Mary and Joseph received Jesus' birth in a stable. There was simplicity, humility shown, yet God's holy hand was upon the holy family. 

I think its a good lesson to think about on the true meaning and virtues of Christmas. I think a main one is humility and though the flashing lights, sparkles and large commercialism displays are nice and festive, it doesn't necessarily bestow the true ambiance and spirit of Christmas. The God of the universe is being born, born in a manger and his gift is his presence and its one of awe, peace and joy. 

I can't help but think of simplicity and humility when I think of St. Mother Theresa. Reading and learning more about her has been so inspirational and drawing closer to her spirit and her deep love and faith for Christ. It makes me reflect upon myself and my own thoughts, actions towards others. She served and took care of the poor and truly believed they were other Christs awaiting her love, compassion and care. 

Another saint who comes to mind when I reflect upon simplicity, and humility to name a few is St. Zelie Martin, the mother of St. Therese of Lisieux. Today happens to be the day she was born, and her story, witness to her faith, God's call for her life is truly inspiring and encouraging to me. She felt she was called to become a nun, a bride of Christ but it later became known that she was called to the sacrament of matrimony and met St. Louis Martin while crossing a bridge and hearing an inner voice of confirmation that he would be her future spouse. 

I feel she displayed great virtue of simplicity in the way she raised her children and bestowed upon love and zeal for the faith. Her mind and purpose was focused, to become a saint and she did, through her various sufferings and trails in life whilst keeping her faith strong. 

Yesterday, while visiting a beautiful basilica all decorated for Christmas and seeing statues of Our Lady outside the church, Our Lady of Lourdes and a favorite of mine, Our Lady of Bethlehem. There are so many scenes and traditions, prayers and presents that make up this joyful, hopeful time. I want to savor it all, this intimate time with family, and with Our Lord and ultimately hope and trust in a new year ahead!