By Susan Ciancio
We are just days away from Christmas—one of the most joyful times of the year. Now is the time when people feel rushed and when we start to realize how much we have not gotten done.
As we try to make sure that we are prepared for the trips, for the unwrapping of gifts, for family parties, and more, let us take some time to prepare our hearts. If we have not been making time each day to think about the coming of Christ, it’s not too late. In fact, as long as we remain on this earth, it’s never too late.
To help you, we want to offer five ways that you and your family can slow down and contemplate the great gift of Baby Jesus.
1. Pray
Prayer not only brings us closer to God, but it quiets our hearts so we can hear His voice. In order to get to know someone whom we hope will become a friend, we must talk to him. So it is with Jesus. If we want to get to know Him better, we must spend time with Him in prayer. That doesn’t mean just asking Him for things. That means telling Him your hopes and dreams, your joys and sorrows, and contemplating His words. We all have at least 10 minutes a day we can give to Jesus. Take time first thing in the morning, on the drive to work, on lunch break, or after dinner or before bed with the kids. Put away the phones, turn off the TV, and talk to the one who gave us life.
2. Count your blessings
As a family, sit and list all the blessings—big and small—from your day. Remember, nothing is too small, and we should give thanks for everything! When we routinely examine our lives and think about all the wonderful gifts we have, we get in a habit of becoming more thankful. Make sure to say a prayer of thanks to the one who made these blessings possible. Then maybe talk to your family about how you can become blessings to others, not just at Christmas but throughout the year. How can you be the hands and feet of Christ here on earth?
3. Read the Gospels
We can hear the words of Jesus anytime we want. All we need to do is open the Bible to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Read one chapter at a time and then contemplate what Jesus was trying to teach. Talk with your family about what happened in the story and how we can all live this lesson in our lives.
4. Watch a religious movie
There are many inspirational movies about Christ’s birth. Do a google search, then grab the family, a snack, and settle in to see the story retold.
5. Spend time in Adoration
Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. And during Adoration, the Eucharist is placed in the monstrance for us all to adore Him. Jesus is right there with us. This is an immense gift, as is the opportunity to spend time with Him. Many parishes have a perpetual Adoration chapel. Find one near you and stop in to say hi to Jesus. If you cannot spend an hour, or your kids are too small to sit for that long, know that even a few minutes will be pleasing to God. Take your kids with you, no matter how old. Explain that they have to be quiet and reverent for just a little while. Maybe give them a religious book to look at or hold. If your family is the only one in the chapel, you can say prayers out loud together; that may help little ones pay better attention. But make sure to explain that Jesus is really there. Teaching kids this truth from the time they are small is of vital importance.
Christ’s birth is almost here! As we approach this day, let us take time to truly contemplate this miracle and this gift, and let us give Him the gift of ourselves and our families by making room for Him in our hearts and lives.