As Advent begins and Christmas draws near, the familiar rush of the season surrounds us. Another year has passed, inviting us to pause and reflect. For some, this time may seem simply another holiday, its deeper meaning not yet fully embraced. Yet within every heart lies a quiet longing — a space that yearns for hope, for purpose, for something more than the demands and distractions of daily life.
In the midst of our human striving, we can forget the peace that comes from trusting in something beyond ourselves. And still, the message of Advent remains astonishingly simple and tender: Emmanuel — God is with us. God is with all people, whether or not they recognise that presence. This season gently reminds us that we are never far from God’s love, and that even the slightest openness can allow the light of Christ’s birth to enter and transform our lives. Yes, Emmanuel “God is with us”, God IS with them!
We pray for the marginalized, the homeless, the war- torn countries, the sick and those near death. Those who may find it difficult to be part of the Christmas celebrations, the Christmas Cheer. We know it is up to us to love and comfort them especially at this time. Our helplessness turns to praying constantly, our being filled with compassion, our heart filled with love for all. Yes, Emmanuel “God is with us”, God IS with them!
Let us search in our hearts the true meaning of Christmas. The child Jesus, Our Lord Jesus the Holy One, Christ our King died on the cross to save us. That the presence of Jesus in the Tabernacle is our gift from God. How can we celebrate Christmas standing at the foot of the cross with Mary? Can we journey with Mary and Joseph through the streets of Bethlehem? What would we feel if we, like Simeon, held the child Jesus in our arms?
The joy of Christmas is written on the face of children. The decorations, the shopping for gifts and the anticipation of holidays. Yes, indeed Christmas brings a sparkle in our life. The whole world is preparing for Christmas day, Christmas lunches, parties, carols by candlelight and Christmas songs. The churches are filled with the spirit of paying homage to baby Jesus in the cribs displayed. We need to show our proud ownership of Christmas no matter how the rest of the world may construe it. We need to show the world the Joy of Christmas, the joy of knowing Jesus.
I have chosen quotes from Venerable Mary Potter’s writing from Mary’s Conferences, (Conference 14, page 146), that we may find reflective and lead to a deeper way of living this Advent and celebrating Christmas 2025. Reading as follows:
“To consider that from the Cross Jesus addressed to us the words “Behold your Mother”. We will therefore love, cherish and take as our own the Maternal Heart of Mary…. we see performed on Calvary a wondrous work of mercy, the conversion of a dying sinner……”.
“We shall watch and pray before the Blessed Sacrament in union with Mary on Calvary. We will watch and pray by the dying sinner as Mary did by the dying thief on Calvary…. We shall save a soul made most beautiful, made to the likeness of the Blessed Trinity, made for heaven….”.
What a privilege it is for us to pray for the dying. Let us pray this Christmas with Our Blessed Mother Mary and St Joseph to preserve God’s beautiful creation and to pray that conversion and God’s Divine Mercy will earn a happy death for every single human being. Let us journey to the child Jesus and Mary in the manger with our own gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. Yes, Emmanuel “God is with us”, God IS with all of us!