A Time To Ponder by Joann W. McMaster

During the season of Advent, we who are Christians stand in awe of the birth of our Lord and Savior.  During these weeks before Christmas, it is often a difficult struggle to combat the secular blasts upon our senses: the TV, the department store music, the gift buying frenzy, the “ho-hoing” Santas, and the exploding fireworks at midnight.  I find it imperative to seek quiet times when I can ponder God’s purposes in sending His only Son as a helpless infant into this world.

We, who accept Jesus as both Divine and human, believe that God sent Him to atone for the sins of the whole world, to defeat death through His resurrection, and to teach us how to love.  Jesus guides us toward abundant living and a life of service to others.

Because of the empty tomb, we have God’s promise that we will be reunited with loved ones in the Communion of Saints and the Church Triumphant.  Gazing at a painting of the Holy Family or at a live presentation, as in “The Journey to Bethlehem,” I ponder over the mystery and miracle of God’s love.  

Thanks be to God!