2016 was a strong spiritual year for me, and I want to make sure I write about it.
In February the HS gave me the gift of tongues.
My faith was shaken a bit in 2016 because of some unsavory goings-on at my job, but when Advent came, a new attitude about my work situation came with it.
I allowed the HS to truly enter into my life, and on all levels. I fell in love with the idea of waiting for Jesus' birth, through Advent. I've always been a bit of a rebel and God used this to help me understand that Catholic's ways are not the ways of the world. I would hear Christmas music and think, "It's not Christmas yet." When I could control what I listened to, I made myself refrain from listening to Christmas music. (Not that listening to Christmas music before Christmas day is bad, but my thinking was that it wasn't appropriate until the actual day of Christmas - which marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Advent is the time before Christmas and is purposely made to make us wait.)
So I waited.
While I waited I availed myself of one of the Church's most powerful sacraments: confession. *
I looked more closely at Mary. How blessed we are to have a mother who thinks of us before herself - she's told her cousin Elizabeth is going to bear a child and goes in haste to help her. Never mind telling anyone about the baby she's carrying! How great her faith in God is and what an example. The angel appears and then leaves her. She doesn't hear from the angel again. She perseveres through faith.
When Christmas did finally arrive, my waiting paid off. I cleaned my house extra well to welcome our King. I thought about how I wanted God to find my life in the last month of December 2016. *How would I account for my actions? Did I have gifts for the new born King? Had I used the talents He gave me wisely to spread love and peace? I found myself sorely lacking, but then I knew the HS would fill in the gaps for me - I can't even approach God without His grace - and I thanked God for the blessings in my life, promising to do better. I am continuing my thankfulness everyday, asking for the light that showed the wise men where Jesus was, to be my guiding light as well. Help me Lord, to be Your light to those around me. No more hiding my baptismal and confirmation lights - help me shine, Lord.
I blasted Christmas music in my car, at work, everywhere. I sang terribly along with it. My apologies to those who heard me. I gazed lovingly at the manger. Christ had been born in my heart and I want to keep Him there.
I'm sad the Christmas season is over, but Fr Jason Cargo at St Joe's CC made the transition so much smoother with a wonderful homily by Deacon Tim, specifically about the baby Jesus and the wise men, and a gorgeous scene of candles on the altar. Light! God is our Light and Salvation.
Allow God to do wonderful things in your life; as Fr Dankasa often says, "Let God be God."
Let His light shine in you and through you.
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa
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