Today is our final day of preparation. We know that Jesus comes in the night, a time symbolizing anticipation and divine mystery, and we sing and celebrate the One for whom we took our time to prepare. We observe the sacredness of the night to light candles, sing hymns of our faith, and welcome the Christ child in. This is the day that both raucous joy and peace converge to make the night one that we can never forget. The halls look beautiful, the tree takes our breath away, and the feast is all prepared.

    I reflect on the many thoughts that filled my mind as I cleaned my spiritual house. This season, I found that joy was the most significant thing I uncovered. I think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and hear the words that she pondered all these things in her heart. Her joy radiated from the inside out. She did not need to feign happiness, for her heart exuded genuine gratitude and humility. She held the light of the world in her arms and heart.

    While I can never feel what Mary felt on that first Christmas, I hope to live in a state of wonder and awe that opens my heart to divine grace. Mary delivered a fantastic gift to the world, and centuries later, I held it in my soul. He changed many lives as He, Jesus, showed us the way to the Father. There will never be adequate words to express how he transformed many lives, including mine.

    May we remember the work we did to get to the manger this year. Let us show the world our transformation as we move towards perfection in the renewing of our hearts and minds. Let us dance with joy and let our songs express the holy love we feel because of experiencing the presence of the Messiah. Merry Christmas to all of you. May the joy of the season surround you as you encounter the one who gives new life.