Originally published at National Catholic Register
Each Christmas should fill us with the same joy and wonder that the shepherds had upon hearing the angels that first Christmas.
One of my constant struggles in this busy time of year is to really be present to the liturgical day and liturgical season. In Advent, there is so much to do, to prepare the way of the Lord, both physically and spiritually, that by the time I get to Christmas Day, it often just feels like I am just going through the motions of what we always do. We have the same family traditions every year, and it is so easy to let it all pass by without much notice, instead of really living Christmas in the present moment. This year, I want to pause and savor the moments of Christmas Day and Christmastide, focusing on God’s presence as well as the presence of each person I spend these days with, whether we are on the road visiting relatives or having family time at home. Another danger for me this time of year, once the sacred days hit and I am no longer in my daily routine, is that I lose track of my regular prayer times.
