We are once again invited, in these final days of Advent and as we celebrate Christmas, to remember our humble origins. We have been created in the image of God, brought to life by God’s love for us. Jesus is the image of God in which we have been created. He is the image by which we are to live and form our lives. Our origins are rooted in the perfection of God’s love, which was perfectly expressed in the life of Jesus the Christ. Remembering his humble beginning, born of the humble virgin Mary, under the protection and care of the humble man St. Joseph, we are called to humility.

Our every decision and action is to be grounded in such humility. For instance, we must not be vain. We must not call attention to ourselves except in the way that we are giving example of Christ’s life. Therefore, the clothes we buy and wear; the trucks and cars we drive; the houses and buildings we own; the fingernails, hair styles, and cosmetics we use; the hats and boots we wear; the parties we plan; our social media posts, and the very manner by which we express our opinions and thoughts: all must demonstrate humility which is Christ-like.

The above paragraph can be the beginning of an examination of conscience. In the world in which we live, as followers of Christ, our humility must call forth the attention of others. It is not our status, riches, reputation, or any other manifestation of worldly values that matter, but rather our humility.

Now, we have begun the second part of Advent, Advent II. From December 17-24 the Church prepares for Christmas, the Birth of our Savior on Christmas Day. The Church often commemorates and celebrates important feasts with “octaves.” December 17-24 is the octave before Christmas. December 25 – January 1 is another octave which culminates in the celebration of Mary as the Mother of God. So, we celebrate Mary giving birth to Jesus on the 25th, and her important response to God’s call on January 1st. There is much logic to the Church calendar.

Of course, in our faith tradition, we do not just count time and mark octaves, novenas, Triduums, and blocks of 40 or 50 days, or 40 years. We are a people who are remembering with purpose. We have a long rich tradition which fosters a long, rich memory. All of that tradition and remembering is for the purpose of living today. “Living” in what way? We live holy, happy, healthy and humble lives!

This Christmas season, may our desire to be Christ-like, as a community of faith, be a beacon of light in the world. Merry Christmas!

Peace, Fr. Andy