In this week’s Scripture, we learn to accept the Lord’s presence because He is everywhere. It is vital that we understand that we need to trust the journey that God made and the paths He envisioned for us. We have to do this job as Christians to sacrifice part of our time through worship and Church. With Christmas in a few days, lives can get complicated and our spiritual selves can drift. We should all “Let the Lord enter; He is King of glory”.
As I have been confirmed and taken a more mature role within the Church, my call to continue spreading the word of God is strengthened. I have joined the wonderful Teen Advisory Board, part of which holds religious retreats and various activities for the younger people of the Church. Recently, our Faith Formation program decided to hold an 8th grade retreat, for younger kids to be exposed to something outside the regular classroom. As a retreat leader and a model teen for them, it was a learning process for both the 8th graders and myself. Although it was only a 2 hour retreat, I feel like I connected with some of the young people that will be the face of the Church someday. It felt good to talk to them, and it was my turn to take charge and make a difference in my community.
In the Gospel, “the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call him Emmanuel.”
Mary's faith enabled her to recognize the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed Him to work through her, so that salvation might come to everyone. Because of this, Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan for salvation.
As we approach the celebration of Christmas, we should all offer thanks to God this week for the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. And, in celebrating Christmas, let’s strive to focus our attention on Jesus, and take the time in prayer to give thanks for the blessings we have been given, especially the gift of salvation.
~ Kira Hutchinson-Lundy
Teen Leader on the TAB, Peer Leader Crew, & Mission Team