Stewardship Tip December 2007

Stewarding the precious days of Advent and Christmas

There are twenty-three days of Advent this year and “twelve days of Christmas” from Christmas to Epiphany. How will we be good stewards of this precious gift of time as we look forward to and then celebrate the greatest gift of all, the Incarnation, the coming of Emmanuel, God with us?

There is much to do – cards to send, gifts to buy and wrap, meals to plan for and prepare, houses to decorate and get ready for family and guests. So much happy busy-ness and so little time! How can we make the best use of this time of preparation, so that our hearts, as well as our homes, are ready to welcome the King of Kings? Well, we can make sure that the things we already do ordinarily – go to Mass on Sunday, give thanks before meals – are done with special attention and fervor during Advent. We can participate fully and actively in the Advent liturgies and give thanks for the special music, seasonal décor, and sharper focus on personal and communal preparation. We can plan to go to the parish celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Perhaps the parish has an “Angel Tree,” a Jubilee Christmas, an “Adopt-a Family” program, or some other way to help the less fortunate have a happier Christmas… Choosing just one event or project won’t take much time, but will let us experience again the deep joy of bringing joy to others and remind us of just how richly blessed we are.

And we can celebrate all twelve days of Christmas – after Christmas, rather than trying to cram everything in before. Perhaps we can plan with our children one small special thing to do each day – maybe write thank you notes together and share a favorite lunch. Or go to – or rent – a holiday movie and watch it together (maybe even inviting another neighborhood child or two to join us). Or make holiday breads, cookies, or Christmas candies and fudge to share with neighbors one of the days after Christmas (and before their resolutions for post-New Year’s diets are made!) Or to Mass on New Year’s Day with family members and friends to pray for peace and then go out to brunch together – or come home to watch parades and football games, just enjoying the gift of each other’s company. Perhaps we could have friends in for dinner or an open house on Twelfth Night (January 6th) and/or save back one present apiece under the tree to open on that day. We could re-tell the story of the magi who brought their best gifts to celebrate the birth of the Savior and talk about the best gifts we’ve given or received – this Christmas, or ever.

Stewardship is all about gifts and gratitude, and this special season is full of both. This year, may we receive gratefully this precious time before and after Christmas, use it wisely, share it generously, and return it, full and overflowing with joy, to the Lord.

Stewardship Tip December 2007