You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. Sirach 2:9
When I was little, our home’s single-paned windows would feature a considerable layer of frosty ice on the inside of them about this time of year. I used to love to peek out at the streetlights, headlights, and Christmas lights through the varying kinds of sparkling rainbows that I could create by scratching at the ice, or breathing on it, or just leaving it alone. (I bet you can hear my mom: “MARIAN DONNA! Leave those windows alone!”) I would most often find myself stationed at those front windows, fidgeting with joyful anticipation, when we were expecting an arrival: the UPS truck, or party guests, or — best of all — a big sibling home from college. One Christmas Eve, I promise you, I even spied Rudolph’s nose. I simply couldn’t resist the joy of the waiting, and the pure appropriateness of being on hand for The Big Moment.
Are we like that, still, this Advent? Are our souls dancing with anticipation? Are we unable to resist the promise of “Soon!!”? I hope so. Because the Holy Family is drawing closer. Their sparkling radiance invites our wonder. Their infinite beauty encourages our awe. The truth, love, and mercy they bring can increasingly make us, in the best sense, childlike again. So let’s continue to be on our tippy toes, Friends, not turning them away as did the pitiable innkeepers who missed their chance, but throwing open the doors of our hearts so as to give our One True Hope a home.
Marian Bart
Director of Engagement