By Jing and Suzette Custodio
No, there is nothing wrong with this picture. This is how our family prays the Advent Wreath. The cradle remains empty as it should be knowing all too well that we are still waiting for the birth of Jesus. As we are on the third week of Advent – Gaudete Sunday, we await with joy bearing the excitement that the real reason for the occasion will come soon. The image of an empty cradle intensifies our joyful anticipation for Christmas day to arrive.
Praying the advent wreath in our family holds the highest regard in our celebration of the holiday season. It is our way to teach our children that the spirit of Christmas is more than just parading a new outfit, ticking off gifts from one’s wish list, or eating like there is no tomorrow over the Noche Buena feast with family. More than all the frivolities, it should be the preparation of one’s self for the coming of baby Jesus.
Each week the wreath brightens one candle at a time as we prepare for the Light of the World to shine in glory during Christmas day. Every night just before dinner, the family gathers around the wreath with candles brightly lit. This is the special time to pray. Each prayer becomes a beautiful reminder of how we should learn to love more, to give more, to forgive more. We are made to realize that we must never take the gift of Jesus for granted. As we repent deeply for our sins, this is the best time to reconcile with God and our loved ones. Christmas always brings the message of hope to be better versions of ourselves with His coming.
As Christmas day draws nearer and the wreath will soon be fully lit, our family looks forward to placing our Baby Jesus in the empty cradle for Him to rest in it.
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel
To free your captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice O Israel
To thee shall come Emmanuel”
Wishing each and every one a meaningful and joyful Christmas mula Sa Aming Tahanan.
#NSOLLPH
