What is it, exactly, that we do during this season of Advent? We spend this time in joyful anticipation of the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We extend our spiritual arms to reach towards Christmas, when we celebrate the day that God dwelt among us in the flesh. As Christians, we welcome His arrival and adore Him. But during this season, let us also not forget Christ's words when he said, "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me (Mt 25:40)." Just as we love and welcome the arrival of our Messiah, we must also love and welcome the least of His brothers. Advent is a time to renew our love for Christ and our love for one another as well. During this time of joy, please do not forget the least of our brothers. Here are some ideas for charitable contributions:
-Volunteer your time to help those in need.
-Experience the joy of donating monetary support to a charity.
-Spend some extra time with an elderly or sick family member.
-Mind your manners and the feelings of others when experiencing frustration from Christmas shopping.
Allow me to leave you a prayer for an increase in charity during this Advent season:
Lord Jesus Christ, our Heavenly King,
As we enter into this season of Advent,
let us experience an increase in charity and goodwill.
Fill our hearts with a desire to treat others
in a manner befitting the name Christian.
May we treat one another with the same love
with which you treat us.
And may we find ourselves renewed for
the Christmas season during which we celebrate the day
the Word became flesh,
and you dwelt among us.
AMEN.
