Reminders of Advent

On this fresh second Sunday in the New Year, we continue to give God praise and thanks for giving us Jesus. Still fresh in our hearts and minds is Advent as we hold dear to us all that we have been celebrating not too long ago. In fact, signs of Christmas are still around us in nature and in many images that are still around the place, whether in or out of our homes.

Nature’s reminders come in many forms and ways. One openly visible and not to be missed reminder of Christ, is the Euphoria or Snow on the Mountain, as it is locally called. This is a tree which turns all white, only at Christmas time. They are all around, reminding us of Christmas. In our homes, I’m sure that on this day, as is the case in my home, some Christmas decorations are still up, waiting to be removed. Children are great reminders, as they are still enamoured and thrilled with toys which they received at Christmas. They are still happy and energetically joyful, as they love to show and tell friends who drop by, what they have received for Christmas.

I’m not doubting that even some of us, older folk, are still speaking in terms and language of Christmas. Is it not true than you can still hear adults saying things like these, in joyful, thankful voices? This is what my son or daughter gave me for Christmas. Look at what my husband or wife got me for Christmas. This is what my neighbour or friend presented me with for Christmas.

The singular point being made here is this. Although Christmas has passed and even Epiphany has passed, there are many signs, symbols and settings of Christmas, which are still with us. For many, they are not mere reminders, but they seem to keep the Miracle of Advent alive and lingering on in us. It is as though these reminders take on a special life mission, to keep us in hope, faith and trust, in the offering and giving of the Miracle of Christmas.

The Miracle of Advent or the Miracle of Christmas, which has given miraculous birth to other miracles, is for us still. In other words, the hope being given us in this third week of the New Year, is that it is not too late for anyone to be blessed and visited by one or all of the miracles of birth, bestowed upon ordinary people like you and me. There are many birth miracles, but during this week, we shall be brought to revisit and respond to just a few of them.  

Holy, Heavenly Father, we know and believe that it is not too late for the miracle of conception of Your Living Word, to be made real in us. We have had our time of purification, because we have given birth, Your Word in us, in many different ways. Holy Spirit, we are frail, weak, powerless human beings, not fit in any way to receive the miracle of Your Word in its unlimited ways, yet we believe. We believe and receive, because You are True and will not deceive us with Your given Word. You are Omnipotent and in Your Sovereign Power and Authority, You can do whatever You desire to do, to Your distinct and unique Glory and Purpose. Holy, Sovereign God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, You are worthy to be praised, honoured and worshipped. Hallelujah! Amen!