Finding God in the Everyday of Advent

For the past few years I have found it difficult to find religious Christmas cards that express God’s unfolding story of love for us.  Ironically, when I do find the quality of cards that I am looking for, such cards are often placed on sale suggesting that they are less desirable. Have we forgotten the true reason for this season?    

Advent is a season for us to desire God’s presence in the everyday.  By garnering God’s love for us we become signs of that love.  Henry Nouyen, the Dutch-born Catholic priest, once said that “you are what you love”.  Advent offers us the occasion to be bearers and sharers of God’s love; to prepare our hearts for the coming for of the one  who loved us by sending us His Son.  We need to intentionally encounter God’s loving presence in the everyday moments of life.  By placing a Nativity scene, or crèche, in a meaningful place in our homes, we remember God and our faith as we shape our desires and actions this season to be an Advent people who love. So as I search for the fitting Christmas card to send to loved ones and friends, I will look upon the Nativity scenes around me each day and know the wonders of God's love.