An Outpouring of Love

by Elaina Jo Polovick on Saturday of the First Week of Advent

What are we waiting for in Advent? We are waiting the birth of Jesus; for the unconditional love of the Creator to enter into our world. In waiting for Jesus we are in fact waiting for love. How the Grinch Stole Christmas has always been one of my favorite Christmas movies and I think it does a wonderful job of showing us what Christmas is about. Christmas is about love and the song “Welcome Christmas” in How the Grinch Stole Christmas expresses this when the Whos down in Whoville sing, “welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand.” 

Today St. Mary Student Parish is celebrating our feast day by going out into Ann Arbor and serving those in need.  This is what Christmas is about: an outpouring of love.  Advent is a time of waiting for Christ but also waiting in joyful anticipation for time to share the love of Christ with others.  If we allow ourselves to be filled with joyful anticipation we can prepare ourselves to experience the joy of the birth of Jesus.  Knowing that when Christmas does come we will celebrate with those we love we should prepare our hearts for an outpouring of love.  Whether it is with strangers, family, or friends we should prepare to let Jesus into our hearts through an outpouring of love.

Suggestion for Prayer:
Consider ways that you can be an outpouring of love to someone you encounter today. Ask God to be with you in this encounter and allow this moment to help you enter into the joyful anticipation of Advent.

-Elaina Jo Polovick is a Peer Minister at St. Mary Student Parish.