I am musing here. . . .

As you have probably noticed, I am attempting to keep Christmas out of Advent in my posts this month.  That’s not really the best way to put it, I guess, because Advent is all about Christmas, the wonder of God incarnate–but I think you know what I mean.  I, and my house, are trying to focus on  Advent now–and then celebrate Christmas for forty days after Christmas (rather than before).  (Yes, forty days after–until February 2.)  But is it really: Advent and Christmas, and never the twain shall meet? As I said, Advent is all about Christmas, so sometimes I find myself humming to myself “For unto us a child is born . . . ” (and I don’t feel one bit guilty).  If I knew Christ was coming again on Christmas day, this year, what would I be singing today?  How would it affect my waiting?  Would I be not only humming, but singing loudly the Hallelujah chorus everywhere I went? 

So let’s try to remember as we go about our everyday business, as we live through this season of waiting (the longer season of waiting for His return), that He is Emmanuel, God-with-us right now.  It’s the “now and not yet” theme that runs through all of Catholic tradition.  Our waiting must look different than anyone else’s–for He is already with us and His coming again is sure.  We cannot but wait with joyful expectation . . . and that can’t help but break out into humming a song of Christmas now and then. 🙂