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The dependence of Christ
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A priest friend of mine asked a group of second
graders, "Advent is a time of getting ready.... Who is coming?" They all
answered, "Santa Claus!"
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We smile at this, but this is what much of our
culture thinks of at Christmas. A jolly guy, over at Macy's, in a red
suit, squeezes himself down a chimney and brings toys. And because he
gives gifts, we all exchange gifts. And there are reindeer pulling a big
sled, and one of them has a shiny red nose that doubles as a
searchlight in the event of a storm.
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And some people put a plastic baby in a little manger
scene, and line up shepherds and the wise men and the angels. We shop,
send Christmas cards, decorate our homes and get ready for family time
because family time together is what Christmas is all about.
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The secular trends and popular customs are harmless in
moderation, but a steady diet of Disney Christmas dulls the memory of
why we Christians celebrate the feast at all.
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But here is what we Christians might remember this
season: That in Bethlehem, God was born. That the Child came to save us
from our sins. That His name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Prince of Peace. That this child was born to die. That His name, Jesus,
means Savior.
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That although born in an obscure village and to humble
circumstances, and although He would write no books, and live publicly
for only a brief three years, no person has left such an indelible mark
on human history as this man. That this Bethlehem Child makes the
difference between a life of quiet desperation, and a life of meaning
and purpose.
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By His own will, Christ was dependent on Mary, His
mother. During her Advent He was absolutely helpless. He could go
nowhere but where she chose to take Him. He could not speak. Mary's
breathing was His breath, His heart beat in the beating of her own
heart.
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Today, Christ is dependent upon us. This dependence of
Christ lays a great trust upon us. During this time of Advent we must
carry Him in our hearts to wherever He wants to go. And there are many
places to which He may never go, unless we take Him.
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That says it all.... Advent is the time when we, like
Mary, carry Christ who will not be there unless we take Him. Advent is
the time when we must pause and remember that Jesus - not Santa or
Rudolph - is the main event.
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To recall that Christmas is not a holiday, or a
politically correct term, but a holy day when we celebrate the birth of
the Savior of the world! If this world, this nation, if you and I as a
faith community are going to roll back the darkness, Advent is the time
to begin. A new year, a new beginning, a time when darkness begins to
slip. Then, hopefully, in your life and mine, and in the lives of those
we touch, the Son, Jesus, will begin to rise.
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And for those of us who carry dark memories and heavy
burdens, whose hearts are hurting, whose faith is weak, whose doubts
are strong, whose anger is justified, remember what the scripture tells
us about Jesus...., "They shall name Him Emmanuel, which means, God is
with us."
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Yours in Christ,
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Fr. Robert Warren, S.A.
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