Advent is a season of patient and prayerful preparation for Christmas. Over four weeks, we are invited to enter more deeply into the beauty of Christ’s birth into the world.
Have you ever gotten to Christmas and realized you've prepared the tree, the gifts, and the get-togethers, but you haven't taken time to prepare your heart?
This Advent, let's set our focus on preparing room for Christ in our hearts, in our lives, in our homes, and in our relationships. Our challenge to you is to do that this Advent season through a spirit of radical generosity.
Align yourself with the generosity of a young mother who said yes to bearing Him into the world. The generosity of a man who took on the role of His earthly father. The generosity of our God, the King of the Universe, who humbly sent us His son.
How can you be radically generous this season? Look for opportunities to pour out love and kindness to family, friends, and neighbors... beyond what is expected or convenient. Of course, it’s easier to stay in our comfort zones. But the Lord has called us to something greater.
Join us in this challenge throughout the Advent season and open wide your heart for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
Stay tuned for a few short emails over the next few weeks with reflections and challenges, inviting you to live out this radical generosity with your family, friends, and neighbors during the Advent season.
Prayer for Generosity
Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God,
Teach me true generosity.
Teach me to serve you as you deserve.
To give without counting the cost,
To fight heedless of wounds,
To labor without seeking rest,
To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward
Save the knowledge that I have done your will.
Amen.
St. Ignatius Loyola