Advent: A time of Preparation for the Miracle of Christmas
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

Once in a while we are asked if it is OK to put up Christmas decorations during Advent. Most of the time, people just do it, because everyone else does too. Some folks find it embarrassing to be the last family on their block, so they go to it. And, of course, the answer depends on whom you ask because it is largely a matter of custom or tradition.

The Catholic Church generally does not put up Christmas decorations until Advent is over, but when Christmas falls right after the 4th Sunday of Advent, it is likely that some but not all the decorations are visible sooner rather than later. Some parishes that are lightly staffed will need to get started earlier because the priest cannot be expected to put up the decorations (especially if he has no help) on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is a family night, we all try to be together with Mom and Pop, brother or sisters, and if that isn't possible, we try to invite or be invited to be with friends.

There have been times that I've spent Christmas Eve alone. I have no more family left, and unmarried people very often do not get invited into a family circle unless they are very good friends. My very good friends moved out of town a few years ago... but that doesn't mean I'm alone. Jesus is with me in prayer, thought, and I have a rich past (as far as family experience goes) so I have lots to be thankful for. Many people love to celebrate Advent with an Advent Wreath. You know, the four candles, one for each of the four Advent Sundays. In families, especially with children and/or young adults, gathering together each Sunday around the wreath, singing some appropriate Advent hymns, praying together, that's what keeps families together! And, family unity is so important these days. When the family has no togetherness anymore, and hardly ever seek to meet as a group, that's when so many problems begin to arise in the lives of children and teenagers.

Advent is most of all a time for introspection. Time to center on the upcoming Miracle of Christmas, particularly if we are well prepared to celebrate with Jesus. I don't mean Christmas as celebrated commercially, but Christmas in one's heart and soul. Advent, very much as Lent, is a time to square things away. Go to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation... yes celebrate, because when you go and tell your shortcomings and sins to the priest, who sits there "in persona Christi," (in the person of Christ) you will find forgiveness and healing. Let's also pray for all our priests, those in our parish, town, city, nation, and priests around the world! Priests are very busy, especially around big Solemnities: the phone rings off the hook, people come to the Rectory door (hospitals call for his assistance), and priests, especially those who are alone need time to figure out and practice homilies. When it gets less busy, please invite your Parish priest to dinner once in a while.

No matter how alone you feel, you are loved by God! Even if you are a habitual sinner, God loves you, but He does not agree with a sinful life. He suffered and died on the Cross for all our sins, so that we may have redemption. So that we may be with Him for all Eternity in Heaven. Some folks keep living a life of sin, and they think they will get to Heaven if they are baptized. Well, I know some churches proclaim this, but I strongly believe that we have to make an effort to love God... and we cannot and do not love God if we live a sinful life, especially if we do so on purpose. This is where it gets complicated... we live in a very liberal society, where every night on television it is not difficult to find programming that deals with "the flesh." Sex, rape, criminal activity, murder, reality shows, etc., nowadays common subjects of general TV fare. When I grew up, such programming just wasn't the norm, but unfortunately, now it is. Many  adults know where and when to turn to another channel because they are mature people, especially people of Faith, who realize how bad a constant flow of this sort of programming is. People who are immature, fickle, easily swayed and especially vulnerable when they are in like-minded peer groups (young or older), often assume that when such things happen on TV, it's perfectly OK. Watch out - because it is not, especially for those who are easily tempted and who have little or no self-control. No, you do not have to live in a convent or monastery, but be mature enough to realize that some of these programs can be dangerous to those who are weak. More examples of "the flesh" we do not need in this world. Jails are filled with them, to capacity.

Use the beautiful season of Advent to prepare for the Christmas Miracle, the Birth of Our Lord, and the re-birth of your soul... prepare, to become a faithful person again, attend church services whatever religion you may be, spend these weeks with good company, and most of all, be at peace!

May God bless you, now and forever!

Fred Schaeffer, OFS  November 2022, 2023

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