Mary, Mother of God
R. May God bless us in his mercy.
Written by Emilie Berard
First off, Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a wonderful season. And while others may pack everything up on December 26th thinking Christmas is over, I LOVE that we are still celebrating the Christmas season. This holiday has always been special to me because growing up with big extended families on both sides meant multiple family gatherings for the holidays. As I got older, “Friendmas” got added to my list of gatherings, and since getting married, I’ve added to the festivities with even more incredible people. The Christmas season is always full of community for me, and I am blessed! Reflecting on this Responsorial Psalm, I just can’t help but think of all the blessings God has given me, especially recently.
The last time I was asked to write up a reflection for Liturgy Resources, I talked about community and the importance of it in our lives, but I truly felt it this past year. This time last year, my husband and I were living in a different state than our family and friends. We were able to come home for an abbreviated time during the holidays, though the stress of coordinating plans to try and jam-pack the visit made me and my husband evaluate what we wanted for our lives. After time in prayer, God provided, and we moved back to our home state.
“May the people praise you, O God; may all the people praise you!”
Specifically, this line sticks out because that’s all I want to do. I want to praise God to anyone who will listen. This Christmas season looks very different from last year’s, and we are so grateful! Being closer to family and new job situations has created more time to be with the people we love and not feel rushed during our visits. Truthfully, my prayers now have only been in thanksgiving because He keeps providing so much for me.
As we enjoy this Christmas season, it's a great time to reflect on the past year and think about all the blessings God has provided us. Whether events like marriage or a new job or simple moments like getting a sweet treat with a friend or finding a new favorite sweater, there are many blessings God has given us.
My challenge for you is to make a space to write down your blessings over this next year. You can write in a notebook or keep a running list in the notes app on your phone. Wherever you keep the list, keep adding to it daily. Include everything! The little moments and the big events--anything that makes you remember that God is by your side. This time next year, you can reflect on all the blessings God provided.
Emilie Berard has walked with God in various capacities including volunteering and working for the Diocese of Lafayette for several years. She is married to her wonderful husband, Chris, and together they strive to grow their marriage to be faith-filled. She would like to invite you to check out the National Eucharistic Revival. You can find her on Instagram.
Pray with today’s psalm.