Did you talk about politics at the Turkey table?
We really didn’t. We enjoyed prime rib and turkey. We reminisced about the funny stories with friends from the past. We ate way too much, and literally laughed until we cried. All while spending time with the ones we love the most and remembering how thankful we are.
I am deeply humbled by God’s mercies. In my life, I have made so many mistakes. I have fallen short of the purpose, and its requirements, many times. But I remain in awe of the mission and the way in which the universe moves to fulfill it.
On days like we had, I feel immeasurable gratitude at the way I am protected and provided for.
Now, one of my favorite seasons in my Catholic religion approaches – Advent. “In a spirit of penance and prayer we await the Mediator, the God-Man, preparing for His coming in the flesh, and also for His second coming as our Judge,” reads the Daily Missal.
Mediator first, second coming Judge.
The history of Advent goes back to the fourth century, when the church in France used the time to prepare new Christians for baptism. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, which means "coming.”Advent’s approach to the Christmas we hold so dear reminds me that we are still in the first half of the ballgame – Mediator first, second coming Judge.
The mediation must occur through speaking truth, compassion, respect and resilience. The times we’ve been living in this year have been tough for many people. Hardworking Americans have been spread thin, tested and tried. The season of Advent provides a welcome opportunity for all who want a fresh start. The only requirement is that you want a new beginning, and a new life that is eternal.
These musings started when I asked my soon-to-be 9 year old, “what should I write a column about this week?” She thought for a moment and said, “If you could tell Jesus somethin’ what would ya say?” She grinned and walked away.
Her little sister said, “what’s a column?!” and ran, giggling, down the hall.
Well, I would tell him thank you. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for giving us all another shot at a new start. We really love you for it.
And to you, our readers this holiday season – I thank you for reading these columns, even when you might not agree. Even if we may not see eye to eye, we can still mediate the affairs of this planet until such time as the breath leaves our lungs.
To the others, who have told me that my columns give them hope for the future. To the ones who offer words of encouragement and praise, you are too kind and I thank you.
George Washington summed it up perfectly in his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789.
“Now I therefore do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all united in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation…”
