“So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
Yesterday marked the start of Advent and the beginning of the new liturgical year. No doubt many of us spent the weekend preparing our homes for the coming of Christmas, by putting up our Christmas trees and decorating with Advent wreaths, lights, and other festive adornments. Gifts will need to be purchased, Christmas cards mailed, and cookies and other delicious treats baked. Often, we lose sight of the purpose behind all of this work, and the frenzy can get a bit overwhelming. At the center of this very special season is our longing to receive the blessings and joy of our Savior at Christmas and to share His gift of LOVE with the important people in our lives.
In each passing year, Christmas becomes a much more reflective time for me, and decorating takes on a new and purposeful spirit. As I unwrap every ornament, I pause and remember when the decoration was purchased or who gave it to me. I think back to Christmases past when my children were small and times spent with family members who are no longer with us. As I set up my great-grandmother’s miniature Christmas tree, bake my grandmother’s special cookie recipe, or feel the yarn of the stockings, pot-holders and blankets my mother knitted so intricately, I feel their LOVE and their presence still with us.
Over the past few months, we were blessed to be visited by two charming Sisters of St. Clare, the fruits of whose labors of LOVE we enjoy today. Sister Kathleen, who currently resides in England, taught first grade during the 1968-1969 school year, and she was thrilled to visit her old classroom, now 1B, and tour North Campus, where she recalled many fond memories. A few weeks later, Sister Anne (center in picture above), who was visiting her friend Sister Madeleine in Vista, stopped by for a brief visit as well. Sister Anne, who is currently living in Ireland, taught fifth and sixth grade at St. Michael’s School from 1965-1970. Her old classroom is now being utilized by 2B and the students welcomed her with open arms. Coincidentally, Mrs. Brianna Shea, our 2B homeroom teacher and alumna of SMS, is teaching in her own former fourth grade classroom. Our visitors were excited to see how the school has grown, and we are so very grateful to them for their sacrifices and dedication to build a strong foundation and lasting legacy in our community.
During this Season of Advent, as we prepare our homes for Christmas, we also need to take time and pause every once in a while, to prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of the Christ-child, who will come to us bearing the greatest gift of all - the gift of LOVE.
In Mission,
Kathy