Katharina Gould
Let Your Light Shine:
Once again, the holiday season is creeping up on us swiftly this year. People are impatiently waiting to spend time with all of their loved ones, and embrace the joyous season. But, as a society sometimes we fail to see the real meaning of Christmas. We get too caught up in all the commercialism of the season and our only anticipation is for the gifts that we receive. Around this time of the year, we realize how materialistic we can be as individuals. We worry about having the newest technology or having the latest designer jeans, but, there is so much more to the festive season than this. The holidays are all about being surrounded by the ones that we love, being thankful for what we have, bringing joy to others, and Advent. Advent is the preparation of the birth of our dear Saviour. The season of Advent began on Nov. 30. On Nov. 28 the school held an Advent mass where the school came together as a whole, and started for the preparation of Christ.
As a school we are trying to get families together, to participate in the joyous season. We are trying to accomplish this through the Joy Bag. The Joy Bag consists of an Advent wreath, activities that the entire family can do, and a journal to write about your experience with your family. It is important that others see the value of family, for them to be together, and to try and incorporate Jesus this joyous event. It is vital to recognize that Christmas Day started as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and we need to celebrate that that we are preparing room for Jesus in our hearts.
During the time of Advent Jesus gives us the advice to calm down, get away from the crowds, rest, and be quiet for a while and pray. This is especially fitting for the hectic season, because everyone is in such a rush to get everything done for Christmas. Try to take some time for all of the things that you love about the season, but particularly take time to pray and prepare for Christ. This year when you gather around your family ask yourself, what does the holiday season means to you? Merry Christmas!