December 2024
Reflections of God's Goodness
The pace of life seems to get more hectic every day!
"The fact is that modern life has deprived us of life’s one great luxury – time.” (Author Laurie Colwin)
Before we ever hear that very first, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” it would be good to take time to plan our Advent preparation for Christmas.
“And do this because you know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”
One way to help us get in touch with the waiting and preparing of Advent is to reflect on ‘time’ in our lives. How much of our time are we giving to God? Where might we be wasting our time? TV? Internet? Social media? Once we know how we are spending our time, we can commit to being intentional about the prayer and preparation Advent asks of us. We can assure our success by keeping our plans simple and remember always ….
“Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.”
“Come, Lord Jesus, come,” this simple four-word prayer can be our mantra this Advent. That’s our heart’s desire, isn’t it? That Jesus would come to all the people and places of our concern. So, let us pray…
Come, Lord Jesus, come... to slow us down.
Come, Lord Jesus, come... to warring countries where women, men and children are dying this moment.
Come, Lord Jesus, come... to leaders of countries at war with each other.
Come, Lord Jesus, come... to my children and grandchildren, to our Church and our priests, to our country and our cities, and our neighborhoods.
Come, Lord Jesus, come... into our hearts and our lives.
“Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”
Come, Lord Jesus, come... teach us to put you first.
“But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Pour out your grace and mercy on our Advent preparations. Bless our Christmas decorations, our gatherings, our prayers; bless our families and friends. Come, Lord Jesus, come to inspire us to reach out to the poor and the lonely who so desperately need a touch of your love.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Praying that all of us will enjoy the fruits of our Advent efforts as we celebrate our Savior’s birth. May each of us know the blessings of family, friends and love this Christmas.
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
Read the previous reflections:
Reflect on how we are deeply connected to God and each other, both on earth and in heaven. Through family, friends, and the communion of saints, our memories become sacred links to loved ones now in God’s presence. This November, join us in a prayer of gratitude as we remember and give thanks for the love, inspiration, and connection that unite us as one body in Christ, across life and eternity
Discover how Christian relationships, rooted in love and attentiveness, can transform the way we engage with one another. Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN, reflects on the importance of listening, humility, and following Jesus to heal divisions and strengthen our witness in today's world. Let's strive to love as He loves, one encounter at a time.
As the new school year begins, our roles as parents and grandparents are more important than ever. Guide and nurture your children with unconditional love, faith, and prayer, helping them navigate a world that often overlooks God's love. Explore ways to support their spiritual journey and discover the profound impact you can have on their lives. Blessings from Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN.
Summer is going by fast. It’s August already, and I want to hold on to the best of summer — fresh vegetables and fruits, the many flowers in full bloom and green everywhere. I see the beauty all around me and I thank God for the magnificence of His creation. What a gift God has given us!