Advent

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Ok, now on to more important matters. Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The preparation for the coming of our Lord is underway. Instead of focusing on the monetary aspects of Christmas, the burden and stress of perfect decorations, perfect meals, perfect gifts, we should be focusing on the Perfect Light who came in to this world to save us from sin and death.

Do we teach our children the idea behind gift giving? Do we explain to them that God's gift to all of us was His Son? Do we explain that the Magi gave gifts to our Lord as a symbol of respect? Or are we only teaching them that Santa will give them an astronomical amount of gifts if they behave. And then when they don't, give them those gifts anyway? Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not advising parents to "teach their children a lesson" for their naughty behavior and give them nothing on Christmas morning. But really, what lesson are you teaching them if you if you spoil them with gifts costing the proverbial arm and a leg when their behavior throughout the year is abominable? I'm no exception, mind you. My kids are far from perfect. Nonetheless, there will be gifts left under the tree for them. But, I hope that as we celebrate Advent, they will begin to see the true meaning of Christmas, because I am far from perfect. And I hope that I can lead by example. Because I know that on any given day, I am more of a "do as I say, not as I do" mother. So I hope to take the opportunity given to me in the form of Advent to teach my children the miracle of the season. I hope to teach them the bountiful blessings that can only be achieved by doing for others and to be slow to anger.

The older I get, the more I realize that I have lots to learn. Advent is the perfect opportunity to take notes, to study, to prepare for the final exam. My children aren't the only ones in need of a lesson. Their mother is a sinner just like them, no better for sure. And she needs to buckle down and do her best as well. Or she will fail the test.

Blessing of the day: I'm blessed because I know that our Lord gave us the ultimate Gift of life.