Gifts, Given and Received

God asks little, but he gives much.

~Saint John Chrysostom

I smile today, thinking of the little ones who can’t wait to peel back that cardboard door marked 1 on their Advent calendars and be rewarded with the very first of those twenty-four morsels of chocolate. Advent may have already begun, but for most of the world today marks the start of the Christmas countdown.

We moms often get so caught up in the frenzy of this season that we miss its tiny treasures: the toddler lighting the Advent wreath for the very first time, the handwritten greetings from afar, or even those handmade gifts of pine cones and papier-mâché. We fixate on our lists, crossing off our acquisitions and keeping our appointments. The swirl of this month, its busyness and bounty, threaten to overwhelm us.

Today, as we remember the true reason for our Advent preparations, let’s linger in the giftedness that is all around us: The scent of the greenery reminding us of new life . . .

The deep violet harkening penitence to prepare our hearts . . .

The star and the flames pointing us toward the Light of the World . . .

And yes, even the presents, given and received with intentional love.

In our giftedness, we are given the opportunity to serve as stewards for those who go without sustenance, shelter, or even love. In giving, we receive.

Father, source of every gift, help me to embrace this Advent season. Thank you for the incredible gifts you pour into my life, especially for my precious family. May I journey toward you mindfully, grateful at every turn for your love.

To Ponder: How can you be more mindful of the gifts you give and are given this month? ~ Lisa M. Hendey

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