The Catholic Writers Guild

Jesus is The Reason

Cookie baking, shopping, wrapping packages, writing cards, and looming deadlines. Santa, take me away!

It’s easy to become caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season. Even today, I find myself at the very edge of a deadline, with the excuse that there are five Fridays this month. However, deep down, I know I would be better organized if I lived in the present rather than in the chaos.

The Advent season begins peacefully, and I do well to live in the moment of each day. I am spiritually energized and ready to prepare my heart for the birth of Jesus. I love the devotionals and the messages of Hope and Joy. Holiday specials on the birth of Christ are a valuable resource for keeping my heart and mind centered on why I celebrate the birth of my King. 

Despite the prayerful encounters and organization of Advent, every year, there comes a moment of pandemonium. Disarray takes hold somewhere between when I light that first purple candle and when I light the final candle. I can usually spot the warning signs, and I rely on my strong faith to pull me back and refocus. Letting go of the anxiety surrounding whom I still haven’t shopped for or having no clue what kind of cookies I am making this Sunday when my family arrives. Staying present is easier said than done, but it’s necessary to enter into the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus is why we celebrate, and the emphasis should be on Him.

Everyone handles this time of year differently. Some welcome the busyness of it all, while others prefer a quieter approach. The commonality is awaiting the birth of Jesus.  Recently, I watched a show called The Chosen. In season two, episode three, as  particular scene stood out to me and helped put the true meaning of Christmas into perspective.  Surrounded by the disciples, Mother Mary remembers Jesus’ birth, and from the point of view of a mom, she shines a light onto the blessed night. 

The Chosen Scene: Mary Remembers Jesus’ birth – YouTube

The video clip shares a teaser, “Can you imagine what the birth of Jesus must have been like, particularly for a teenage mom?”  Imaginative or contemplative prayer can help us to immerse ourselves in that event. However, we are invited more profoundly into the story by hearing Mary and seeing the emotions on her face and in the disciples. The way in which they are all seated around the campfire, for me, resembles those gathered in the nativity. 

In this scene, we hear Mary’s account of things being not what or how she expected them to be. Amid a fleeting moment of doubt and the assurance that Jesus needed her, we are brought into the heart of Mary during the precious moments of Jesus’ birth. There is no mention of cookie recipes or meal preparation, only the gift given to us, the birth of Jesus. 

I am not setting out to discount the traditional preparations or things that we like to do this season. Instead, I invite you to bring Jesus into the process. In keeping our hearts set on Jesus as the reason, perhaps we can bring the anxiety of it down a notch. Often our Christmas celebrations do not turn out as we expected, perhaps there is a blessing in them, just as it was for Mary. Amidst the deadlines, lists, and meal preparation, sprinkle in downtime for prayer. Let Jesus know you need Him because He needs you just as much.   

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Copyright 2022 Kimbery Novak. Images copyright Canva.