Searching for God

Advent ends with Christmas Eve Mass, but the search continues. Christ comes in the morning through miracle of new birth, but our longing is not satisfied completely. He is our hope, our salvation and our joy. But we too often remain apart from him, not fully united with him or anyone else, alone and afraid.

Christmas brings us closer to him—if we open our minds and hearts, if we reach out to him through our care for “the least of these, my brothers and sisters.”

Being close to Christ is what we long for at Christmas whether we know it or not. The sights and smells and sounds of this holy season connect us to him. But only if we let them, if we ignore the distractions of “the commercial Christmas” and embrace a far simpler festival.

Silent night, holy night. All is calm. All is bright. Round yon virgin, mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.