Michael Zelenka ‘01, ‘03 M.Ed., ‘09 M.A.

Throughout my youth, my mom would always lament society’s urge to celebrate Christmas with no regard for the season of Advent. She would voice frustration over Christmas songs on the radio in November, Christmas trees up before December 1 and down by the 26th, endless advertisements, and boundless pressure for the perfect holiday.

The messages of the world bombard us:

Read this quickly so you can catch the Cyber Monday deals!

Only 24 shopping days until Christmas remain!

Extended hours and Black Friday prices!

Shop! Buy! Spend!

In our efforts to live up to these demands, we are consumed by shopping, parties, wrapping, cleaning, baking, mailing, decorating, and more shopping. We find ourselves filled with more debt, stress, exhaustion, and stuff than hope, peace, and joy.

We celebrate Christmas without first celebrating Advent. We heed society’s demands and dismiss the call of Jesus, “Come after me!”

Like the first apostles, may we have the courage this Advent to leave aside the nets of the world that have caught us in the belief that more stuff leads to more joy. May we boldly jump out of the boats headed toward frustration and emptiness and into the waters that lead to Christ.

As we prepare our homes for the holidays, let’s make sure we prepare our hearts for the Incarnation during Advent. Let’s spend more time praying and less money on gifts; more time creating memories with loved ones and less energy on the stress of the season.

Jesus invites us to the Mass, not the mall. He wants us to engage in the Word, not the worry. He beckons us to his presence in the Eucharist, not to the presents under the tree.

This Advent let’s fight for the space to hear his call, “Come after me.”

Leave everything behind, jump into the water, and follow Jesus!