The blog "Messy Jesus Business" has a post on Advent and our Christmas habits called the disturbing, poor baby Jesus by Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration). Here is an excerpt:
I am even more disturbed when I read the Christmas story in the bible and let it challenge me. It seems like if we really take this gospel seriously, we have a lot of culture changing to do. How can we change our habits from shopping and partying to being and praying? During advent, how can enter into the cheer of the season and go to parties, but yet fast in preparation? I don’t know, but I know that every year I wrestle with my holiday habits. I usually end up making a few crafts, giving a few donations, and then buying simple gifts for my immediate family. It never feels like it’s quite right, but it probably is okay.
It is a challenge to our celebrations of Christmas, which I would prefer not to think about too much frankly, but I think it is important. Check out the rest of the post, including a short video at http://messyjesusbusiness.wordpress.com/.
Hat Tip to Sr. Sarah Hennessey for linking to this on Facebook.
John W. Martens
Follow me on Twitter @johnwmartens
