As the world decks the halls with decorations and dazzling light displays, transforming homes and neighborhoods into captivating sights, it’s easy to become caught up in the excitement and, at times, the excess. It is crucial to remember the true meaning of Advent and embrace its spiritual richness as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

The Splendor of Jerusalem

In Baruch 5:1-9, we read of the grandeur and splendor of Jerusalem, a city adorned with the glory of God. The passage describes how the people of Jerusalem are to prepare for the coming of the Lord, adorning themselves with the beauty of God’s righteousness and praise. The prophet Baruch paints a picture of a majestic and radiant city, shining with the light of God’s presence.

When we consider the imagery of Jerusalem’s grandeur in this passage, we can draw a parallel to the tradition of setting up bigger and bigger Christmas trees during the holiday season. Just as Jerusalem is described as a city of magnificence and splendor, Christmas trees have become symbols of grandeur and celebration during the festive season.

However, while the large artificial Christmas trees at the center of our malls are undoubtedly impressive, they lack the authenticity and charm of a real tree that graces many of our homes during the holiday season. Although our own trees may not reach such heights, they possess a natural beauty and warmth that artificial trees simply cannot replicate.

As the season progresses and the heating systems in our homes switch on, we can appreciate the gentle sway of our real trees’ branches as the warm air flows from the floor vents. This simple yet heartwarming sight is a reminder of the true magic and coziness that a real Christmas tree brings to our living spaces. And that is something truly special.

Discerning What is of Value

In today’s second reading, St. Paul urges us to “discern what is of value,” prompting us to reassess our approach to celebrating the holy seasons of Advent and Christmas. While it is true that many of us invest time and energy in creating extravagant displays and decorations to mark these special occasions, it is crucial to question whether this is the most meaningful way to honor the spiritual significance of these holy days.

Just as the people of Jerusalem were called to adorn themselves with righteousness and praise in anticipation of the Lord’s coming, our focus during the Christmas season should not solely be on the size or grandeur of our decorations. Instead, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds to welcome the true light of the world, Jesus Christ, into our lives.

Each year, we observe an increasing emphasis on outdoing previous displays, as the lights become more dazzling, and the decorations become more elaborate. Although there’s a certain charm to the visual spectacle, St. Paul’s words invite us to pause and consider the values of love, peace, wholeness, and simplicity that lie at the heart of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

The Baptist’s Call to Introspection and Repentance

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist’s message of repentance serves as a powerful reminder to reevaluate our priorities during the Advent season. The Greek term “Metanoia” emphasizes the importance of turning away from our current path and embracing a new perspective that aligns with the true spirit of Christmas.

As we find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it can be easy to lose sight of the deeper meaning behind Advent. John’s call to “prepare the way of the Lord” urges us to pause and reflect on our actions, ensuring that we approach this sacred season with intention and purpose.

This introspection encourages us to strike a balance between the outward expressions of celebration and the inward spiritual journey that underpins these sacred times. By focusing on fostering authentic connections with our loved ones and embracing a spirit of gratitude and selflessness, we can truly embrace the transformative power of Advent and Christmas in our lives.

Thus, while decorating our homes and spreading cheer is an essential part of celebrating Christmas, we must not let these outward displays overshadow the spiritual journey that unfolds during Advent. Let us strike a balance between embracing the festive joy of the season and cultivating a deeper connection with our faith. By doing so, we can truly honor the transformative power of this special time and allow its message of hope and renewal to fill our hearts and guide our actions.

There is a big difference between 
having our homes and church FULL of decorations, and celebrating a fulfilling Christmas.

The Role of Church Decorations

Some parishes choose to keep their decorations simple, allowing the focus to remain on the altar and the Eucharist. This decision is not made simply for aesthetic reasons, but to emphasize the significance of these sacred elements in our worship. 

Or as St. Paul in today’s second reading say, we need to discern what is of value— “the things that really matter.”  During Advent, that would be the advent wreath and a Jesse Tree which speak volumes about the anticipation and preparation for the coming of our Lord.  For Christmas, The nativity scene captures the heart of the Christmas story, grounding us in the humble beginnings of our Savior.

Although a few other things like trees, wreaths, and flowers can also be in the mix, I would hope that we error on the side of simplicity
rather than excess. When our church decorations closely resemble those found in commercial settings like department stores or malls, we run the risk of diluting the sacredness of our worship space. Our efforts, however well-intentioned, may unintentionally convey a sense of imitation rather than authentic reverence.

Let us remember that the true beauty of our church lies not in its material decorations, but in the presence of Christ and the community of believers gathered in prayer and worship. As we strive for a balance between meaningful adornments and simplicity, may we always seek to create a space that reflects the reverence and devotion we hold for our faith.

After all, even Santa’s workshop in the mall has pointsettas, Christmas trees, and lights. And because the parish’s budget and abilities are not likely to match the mall’s, our efforts can come across as poor imitations of the commercial decorations. Anyways, do we really want our church to look like a department store?

How to Free Ourselves

Let’s free ourselves from the need to have more. Don’t be consumed by busyness and clutter. Seek that which returns the most precious gifts of all: the gift of time and space. 

This Advent focus on the simplicity and fulfillment found in the lives of biblical figures such as John the Baptist, Mary, and Elizabeth. These individuals, though leading humble lives, found true fulfillment in their relationship with God. Their example reminds us that it is in Christ that we find true fulfillment.

As we prepare to gather around the Lord’s table, let us reflect on the simplicity of the gifts that will be set before us – bread to be broken and wine to be shared. In these simple elements, we are invited to see the richness of Christ’s presence among us.

May the Body and Blood of Christ, shared in the Eucharist, instill in us the true wisdom of the season. Let us remember that life finds its true fulfillment when it is filled with the gift of God’s love for us.