Advent Preparation: A [Gentle] Checklist

BY CLAIRE SEELINGER DEVEY

Sometimes it seems like there is So. Much. To. Do. before Christmas.

Few of us will “get it right” and arrive at the end of this liturgical season feeling self-congratulatory and rejoicing that we spent a really good Advent. Most of us will wonder where the time went and maybe regret some of the choices we have made along the way and wish we could have a do-over.

I mean, who of us can really say that we ever loved Christ enough or gave enough in return for His love?

But remember this: Jesus in the manger is gentle and forgiving. He, himself, once told us (when he was old enough to speak) that He had not come into the world to condemn it, but to save us all.   

The Child Jesus in the manger is a silent presence of this acceptance. The Baby, here with us, is an invitation first and last, to Love.

So, here is a different kind of Advent “to do” checklist.  This one is centered on the extravagant love of a gentle Savior—a love which is for us and for all the people in our community whom God has given us to love:

A Gentle Advent Checklist:

• Ask for the Holy Spirit to help.
• Wait for that help to arrive.
• Act on the inspiration(s) you receive.
• Give without expecting anything in return
• Be reconciled to others and love them as best as you know how
• Ask for more love in your heart toward others, because love is a gift that we receive
• Keep asking the Holy Spirit for help.
• Wait for that help to arrive.
• (Repeat as necessary)