The power of the cross

When Kevin was a toddler, his utter love of music was obvious. His favorite book was an ABC book of musical instruments from the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. One afternoon, when he was three years old, his parents took him to the museum to see up close the instruments he admired. Kevin was too short to see into some of the display cases, so his dad picked him up, feeling his son trembling with excitement in his arms. Now a young adult, Kevin is a percussionist and composer pursuing a career in music. If you want to see joy incarnate, watch him play the drums with a jazz band. You would see someone doing something he was made to do. God gave Kevin the gift of that delight, and Kevin’s family noticed and helped to nurture it. This is one of the hopes for every family: that each might be a community of love where its members have countless opportunities to share in God’s joy. Loving God, help us believe that we are infinitely loved. Let your love for us inspire a joy that radiates all we do. Amen. Tip for Daily Living At the end of each day for a week, take five minutes to reflect on the day and jot down the moments when you experienced joy. This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

During Advent, our thoughts often turn to gifts as we prepare to celebrate God’s greatest gift of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Following God’s example, the Catholic steward gives consciously and conscientiously. Pope John Paul II spoke and wrote frequently about a Law of the Gift — the truth that human beings are hardwired for self-giving. Charity is a hallmark of a Christian today, just as in the time of Jesus. Christ left no question: Charity is not an option. Advent offers us a perfect time to support charities. Most of the people on your gift list don’t really need much, but many people around the world lack basic needs. Jesus Christ was born into a poor family, and at Christmas we do well to reach out to people who are poor. So, consider a gift that gives to people with real needs.