A Time of Pure Joy

"What does Christmas mean to you?"

The Advent and Christmas seasons have always been the most exciting for me. As a little kid, my main concerns were presents and having off from school, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to appreciate these seasons for what they truly are. They are times of pure joy. Advent allows one to prepare for Christ’s arrival while Christmas celebrates Christ’s birth, and the joyfulness that comes out of these two seasons is unlike anything else.

I have always felt called to refocus and center in on what truly matters during the Advent season. Normally I’m drawn to the teachings of Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble during Advent and her emphasis on memento mori or “remember your death.” I know this can be quite grim since Advent is a time of joy, but the principles of memento mori are interwoven with the Advent season. Memento Mori is all about loving God to the fullest and pushing away distractions while remembering what is most important, living a holy life. This concept corresponds with our preparations for Christ as we give our lives to Him to receive His grace and goodness. My connection to Christ strengthens as I forget about all the material worries in life and am reminded that Christ is coming, not just by His birth, but by His second coming as well. The Advent season has this magical ability to permit happiness and joy in anyone’s life despite whatever one is going through, and that is what makes it such a special time.

With Christmas coming right after Advent, the joy continues. One of my favorite family traditions involves spreading this happiness and joy to others. Every year, my family partakes in our church’s giving tree, so we pick a tag off the tree and gift a child a present. The gift is either for Christmas or Three Kings Day depending on what is marked on the tag. By giving out these gifts, my family can pass along the gift of Christ to others, as we honor the Father’s gift of His only son. The story of St. Nicholas also deeply resides with us when we participate in this act since we look to replicate his deed of giving to the poor.

For the upcoming seasons of Advent and Christmas, I’m hoping to establish and maintain a much more personal relationship with Christ. I’ve made it my goal to go to Adoration on a regular basis during these seasons, and I encourage everyone else to as well. Adoration is a sure way to find peace and comfort throughout what is guaranteed to be a busy time. It also allows one to feel exceptionally close to Christ as we prepare for His coming. I’m excited to see where adoration will lead me.

I find it necessary to remember the true meaning of Advent and Christmas as these seasons approach. It is too easy to get caught up in all the parties and festivities and forget about what all this celebration is for. I hope all of you will join me in centering in on Christ and the joy He brings during these upcoming seasons as we prepare for and celebrate His coming.

My name is Lillian Rojas and I am a 2^nd year from Manassas, Virginia. A fun fact about me is that I can juggle and I have an 80lbs Goldendoodle.