Ok, I’ll admit it. I welcome a good distraction sometimes. If I’m doing an unpleasant or tedious task, please interrupt me and dazzle me with possibilities!
Of course, though, most distractions are unwelcome, especially those that come during prayer or when trying to concentrate on a difficult task. Naturally, they’re also more frequent. It’s almost like there’s an enemy trying to throw me off…
As we make our way through Advent, it strikes me just how distracted most of us are. There are the cards to write, the gifts to buy and wrap, the decorating, the baking, the cooking…you know the drill. It can be overwhelming when we add it to our already busy lives. Of course, we do get ample notice that this time of year is coming, but that’s never gotten in my way of being stunned when I find myself in the avalanche.
This year, I’m trying something different. I’m labelling the distractions and the actual attraction. I think so many of us get caught up in the distractions and miss the real meaning. Rudolph, Frosty, Santa, The Grinch, White Christmas…all wonderful stories that hold great nostalgia from childhood. Each has a lesson for sure, but we need to ask ourselves if, as Catholics, we’ve allowed those distractions to coopt the most important focus that we should have—that our God took on human flesh and entered history, humbly as an infant in a manger. No fanfare. No noise. No fireworks—although the angels filled the skies, unable to contain their joy.
It’s not feasible to dispense with all of the busyness of the season. Stuff still needs to get done. But be careful not to let the distractions become your attraction. The evil one delights greatly in turning this holy time of year into a mess of silly stories and unrelenting busyness and stress.
Take it back.
Take 5 minutes to meditate on the birth of Jesus every day. Turn on some religious Christmas music. So weird to have to use religious as a modifier for Christmas, isn’t it? But without that qualifier, some very silly songs will steal your focus and trivialize this profoundly beautiful season of prayerful anticipation.
I love this song by Francesca Battistelli and I share it as my Advent gift to you.
Turn off the noise. Take a few minutes to listen and prepare your heart to receive Jesus at Christmas. Let Him be born in you. Then bring Him where He leads you.
Wishing you all a beautiful Advent and a joy filled Christmas!
Allison is also the Founder and President of www.CatholicTherapists.com, and CatholicLifeCoaches.com, which provide nationwide networks of screened and dedicated Catholic therapists and Catholic life coaches.
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