Christmas Presence

For most people, Christmas present buying is underway, so this is good time to reflect on what giving presents means, as most of us are not getting things we really need. I was told recently about a family that has a wonderful ritual for opening their Christmas presents. When all are present, each present is opened, one by one. First, the card with its message of love is read, then each gift is unwrapped and admired by all. It takes hours to get through all the presents, but each one knows what everyone got, from whom, and especially the message of love that came with each gift.

We are now in the middle of the Church’s season of Advent and this is our religious way of taking time to enjoy the presence of Jesus in our midst. Over four weeks, we pray over the different longings and needs that Jesus will fulfil. Then we have Christmastide when we slowly unwrap what Jesus’ presence means. Our hearts are made for deep love: what we all really need is loving presence. This has been and is given to us in the person of Jesus…and we give it to and from each other. May your presents this year convey this presence!

Loving Father, you have given us the present of your love in the person of Jesus. Send us your Spirit to awaken our hearts to his love deep within our being and may we show his love to all. We ask this in Jesus’ name confident that your will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris, osb