“I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me….’ (Gal 2:20)

This simple message from Galatians can fill a long prayer experience!!  I used it for prayer a couple of days ago and it still enriches my prayer – especially as we approach the final week of Advent. It helps me see that Christmas is more than just renewal (as important as that is). Christmas is also about re-centering.

We get off-center easily in everyday life. It is very easy to become me-centered, me-focused, or even my good works focused.  We are faithful people and we do many Jesus-like good deeds.  We comfort the sick, we feed the hungry, we companion the lonesome. That is all necessary and good. However, I would like to stretch myself to remember it is not I who accomplishes good deeds or my faithfulness. It is Jesus in me who does the good. I live, not for me, but for Jesus in me.

Let us not belittle the good we are and do, but reflect on what makes us who we are and what our center is.  Jesus is the Center that energizes our every move.  It is He in Me that makes all things possible. Christmas rebirths the He in Me.

As we prepare for the Birth of Jesus, let us reflect on:

• how does Jesus work in our lives?
• how do our attitudes and actions reflect Jesus?
• in what ways do i still need to grow so Jesus is my center?

Blessings on you as you continue your journey!