Today we are challenged to open ourselves up to allow God’s light into our hearts. We all have places in our hearts that do not reflect our image of God, and we are thus called to examine those aspects of our lives that we prefer to hide in the closet or the attic, the basement or the garage. Even in a small house, a dorm room, or an apartment, there is usually more than enough space to store stuff that we don’t really need or use anyways (and a surplus of products to help us do so).
Advent and Christmas remind us to be generous, to clean house, and give stuff away. On this 17th day of Advent, we focus not only on the physical ‘stuff’ we want to be rid of, but also the habits, emotional baggage, and ways of relating to other people or to God that we need to change or let go of. There are many areas to examine: our attitudes about service, how we interact in community, relationships with friends and family members, our thoughts about the future, whether we truly are living simply, our self-esteem, or how we relate to God.
Even though this year brings with it a number of (often unexpected) challenges and struggles, during this season of Advent we freely ask God to challenge us and to lead us in the way God lovingly desires for us to go. Our egos do not always appreciate God’s Divine Plan and the journey it entails, but during this time, let us actively work with God and allow God to bear fruit in each of us.
May your heart remain open,
Kristen
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