It’s difficult to keep up in this world. It seems each day gets busier than the last with no sign of ever letting up. My kids’ schedules are becoming more demanding of their time and ours and my work seems to have no desire of ever slowing down. I’d like to assume that, in the past, the Advent season was an exception to the craziness of the world. Though, no matter how far back I drag my memory, I just cannot seem to remember it ever being calm. Sure, I have some of the most beautiful memories from my youth from this time of year, but calm? I can’t say I recall an instance.
We all know that there’s a societal anxiety on the rise that has been escalating for years now and seems most intense as of late. Of course, this is then passed onto many individuals. And although I am certain my faith has left me relatively unscathed, the same cannot be said for so many. So, what is the solution?
I think I may have an answer, but it is something we’ve all heard before: Give. And no, I’m not talking about buying the 8 million gifts for your family, extended family, coworkers and friends. Of course, that is good... if done in moderation, of course. I am talking about giving to those in need. We’ve all heard it, but do we ever do it? For most of us, the answer is no.
Something my family started doing the past couple of Advent seasons has made all the difference in our lives. Perspective is amplified for us now and that is what this time of year should be about. We started “adopting” a family every year through a program set up at the local crisis pregnancy center. They serve expectant couples or single mothers that lack the means to provide. What they do not lack, however, is there courage to bring their child into the world despite their circumstances and their faith in their community to help them through. The pregnancy center let’s them fill out a questionnaire that allows them to indicate not only what their family needs, but also some of the more “nice to have” gifts for themselves, and of course, their little ones.
This year, we adopted a family and as I was looking at their wish list, I was instantly humbled. Items like socks, shoes, t-shirts, mittens, jackets, were the items that shook me. I was shocked, though I shouldn’t have been, that these were the items they were asking for. How many times have we realized our shoes were a little worn and went and bought a new pair without even thinking twice about what a luxury it is to some? And their “nice to haves?” For the mother, a lavender-scented candle and a humidifier. The children? A batman watch. A Minnie Mouse sleeping bag. A piggy bank.
It was this last one that really got me. A child today happily embracing the concept of saving money one coin at a time is a concept lost on so many other children. And as I made my way through the store to source these simple items, I was reminded of the blessings I have that I take for granted. Picking out socks for a 4-year-old in need is one of the most eye-opening things I have ever done. We’ve forgotten that his season isn’t about us and shouldn’t be. And all though we want to spoil our kids this time of year, even they have gained the much-needed perspective this time of year should demand.
It doesn’t have to be a pregnancy center, but if you can find a family in need and help make their Christmas special, not only will it make all the difference to them, but you will find yourself only wanting to do more and more for those in need and that is what this season should be about. Think about what God gave us. What Mary gave us. What Joseph gave us. What Christ himself gave us. Surely we can give a little more too.
May you have a Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas.
-Nikki
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