Be joyful -- or else!
Is this really the way to experience the birth of Christ?
Maybe there's a better way!
This weekend, the first Sunday of Advent, we begin a new liturgical year. For many, this time of year can be very confusing. If we listen and try to follow what we hear from the media and see in the shopping malls, it almost seems as if we’re commanded to “be joyful in the holiday spirit.” Is there something wrong with us if we are anything less than deliriously joyful while we’re plunking down our plastic at the cash register (or pressing that “Buy Now” button on Amazon) for the latest “must have” gift?
Of course, this can be most difficult for anyone even under the best of circumstances, but it can seem impossible for those grieving the recent (or maybe not so recent) loss of a loved one. To help maintain a hopeful, Christ-centered perspective on this holiday season (which really is called “Advent”; for Catholics, the Christmas season doesn’t begin until December 25th) I would like to offer ten tips for those times when your heart is heavy and grief seems overpowering:
- Try to remember. Don’t try to forget
- Give yourself the gift of healing tears
- Be realistic in your expectations
- Tell people what you need. Ask for their help
- Don’t lose the holidays completely
- Keep some traditions. Choose those that bring you comfort
- Visit a special place that brings you warm memories
- Listen to your body. Take time to rest, refresh and renew
- Don’t wait for others to bring you happiness
- Light a special candle in celebration of the love you still share.
(A follow-up: I have offered this list from the National Catholic Ministry for the Bereaved for several years. A recent query indicates that this organization is no longer active. Pray for those who support these important ministries for the grieving.)
Here are some ways our parish offers to re-center yourself to making this a true and Christ-filled Christmas:
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Our FORMED Recommendation for the Week:
On behalf of the Augustine Institute, we are offering Adventus: A Spiritual Pilgrimage to everyone this Advent and Christmas Season. In light of the separation we face as communities, this special documentary allows Catholics all around the world to unite and make a spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land to see the places associated with Christ’s Birth.
If you haven't done so already, go to https://visitationrcchurch.formed.org/, click on the REGISTER NOW button. Enter your e-mail address on the registration screen and you're good to go!
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