The REAL Meaning of CHRISTmas

A few months ago I went to a presentation on mindfulness in the classroom and I have recently found myself coming back to what I learned. In a room filled with teachers and administrators, the presenter literally walked us through an experience of mindfulness or "wise attention." Sitting up straight, eyes closed, hands resting on my lap, I joined in the activity as she asked us to become mindful of our breathing. As we moved through the activity, the presenter asked us to visualize a flashlight; when we found our attention drifting away, we could notice what was distracting us, then, focus our flashlight back on our breathing.

This is a wonderful activity to use with children in the classroom to help focus their attention and I have also found myself using it to help ground me during prayer.
In the midst of a recent transition, I have found it challenging to sit quietly and pray. I've been very distracted with my own emotions as I moved into a new living situation. However, as I was setting up the Nativity in our chapel this year, I found myself able to refocus my flashlight on what is important...Jesus.

The Son of God, Jesus, came into this world as a baby, born of a virgin in a humble stable surrounded by animals.  Jesus willingly took on the human form so that he could experience love coupled with immense suffering. He is the greatest gift given to us by God, and the Wise Men knew this as they risked everything and followed the ultimate flashlight, the Star of Bethlehem. They knew this Baby was a special gift to the Jewish people.  He was the sign they had waited for, and the Star of Bethlehem lit their way, as they journeyed to bring gifts to the newborn King.

It's not about the gifts they brought; it is about the seeking and how the Wise Men refocused their own flashlights on finding Jesus and how each of us is called to do the same.

The Wise Men had their own distractions during their journey, yet they continued to pay attention to what was really important.

We are called to notice the distractions that come up when we are still, then try to refocus attention back to Jesus.

Notice the distractions; then come right back to Jesus.

Notice the distractions. Come back to Jesus.

Notice. Come back.

As I move through these days of Christmas, I will try to remember to keep my flashlight focused on the real meaning of the season...Jesus.

 Sister Meaghan Patterson, SSJ

 

Meaghan entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 2002 and has had many varied experiences since then.  Currently, she is ministering at Saint Martin de Porres Catholic School in North Philadelphia and living at our newly established hospitality house in Chestnut Hill.