Advent with Aleteia: Would I be filled with joy if Jesus came to visit me today?

Day 22: May the joy of children bring us to reflect today...

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy. – Luke 1:41

Reflection

The fourth and final Sunday of Advent brings with it an increased sense of anticipation. Christmas is almost here! Children in particular are filled with joy, eagerly awaiting one of the most anticipated days of the entire year.

The Gospel today brings to the forefront that child-like joy from being in the presence of Jesus. While many children in today’s world care more about presents than they do about the celebration of Christ’s birth, their joy and anticipation for material goods should make us step back and reflect on our own lives.

Do I have that same joy when I look forward to the coming of Jesus at Christmas? Or more importantly, will I be as joyful as St. John the Baptist was when he was brought into the presence of the Savior?

Do I look forward to that decisive day when God calls me home? Or am I afraid and ashamed of my sins?

Advent is a perfect time to stop and examine our own spiritual lives, discovering the state of our soul and asking ourselves if the thought of seeing Jesus today (or some other day in the future) would bring joy into our lives.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer

O God, eternal majesty, whose ineffable Word
the immaculate Virgin received through the message of an Angel
and so became the dwelling-place of divinity,
filled with the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant, we pray,
that by her example we may in humility
hold fast to your will.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.