DECEMBER TO REMEMBER (NOT THE LEXUS ONE)

December is always a busy month for everyone, and Linda and I are no exception.  Just birthdays alone are enough to keep us busy.  We have birthdays on December 3rd (Linda turned 23 yet again!), December 10 marks H1's entry onto the world scene, December 16th is yours truly's b'day, of course the birth of our Lord and Savior on the 25th, and SIL-O on December 31st.  Now we've added H2F (formerly H2GF) on December 27th! Whew!!

Then there's the Covington Craft Fair which always falls on Linda's birthday weekend, so we take that Friday off to go to the fair.  This year it was just the two of us.  In past years Aunt Bev and Uncle Mick, and DLG would go, too.  Those of you who follow me on Twitter or Facebook already know that this year was especially nice because... why???... because they had CRACKLINs!!!  Oh, my, yes!!  Yummy!

If all that wasn't enough, add to the mix a trip to Orlando/Tampa to attend SIL-O's graduation from USF with a Master's Degree in Nursing.  That is this weekend coming, so we'll be heading that way on Friday, with a scheduled return to NOLA on Monday.

And finally, I'm scheduled to preach three out of four weekends this month!  Whew!  The New Year can't come to quickly if you ask me!! 

There's still plenty of time for some good Advent self-reflection and preparation, though.  Keeping in mind that Jesus is the reason for the season, Advent is a time to ask ourselves if we are truly prepared, that is, in a right state of mind and spirit to meet and greet the savior of the world.  A popular hymn/song nowadays in many Catholic churches goes, "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love".  If we were to meet Jesus at His second coming this month, or this week, or today, could we truly say that we are living up to His commandment to love one another?

The Christmas season brings out the best in most of us.  We are filled with a spirit of giving, and take joy in bringing smiles to the faces of our family and friends with that perfect gift, or in sharing a bountiful table of delicious treats...  But as Christians, do we let this spirit of love and giving extend beyond our tight circles of family and friends to those less fortunate?  Do we "feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, or visit the sick and imprisoned", especially during this season?  With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, and parties and visiting, can't we take time out to pick up a couple of blankets, or some bags of socks, or a sweater or two, and donate them to a local homeless shelter?  Giving with no thought of getting, now THAT is the spirit of Christmas!!

God bless you, and may your Christmas be Happy, healthy, and filled with LOVE for Jesus, and for one another!!