Can you smell it? ‘Cause I smell it too! I smell Christmas! In this season of yuletide, we know of showing love by sharing gifts with others. How about gifts from God Himself to you? Yes! This season has so many amazing things in store for us all. It is left on whoever is interested to grab. There are certain acts you can perform to obtain God’s sufficient blessings. Read through to see them.
1. The sacrament of reconciliation
As we commemorate the birth of our Lord, the best gift you can give to him is to reconcile with him through the sacrament of confession.
“I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).
There’s no better time to go to a priest and confess your sins. It would help prepare you spiritually for the Christmas celebration. Remember also,
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate (Luke 15:22).
God’s blessings await you!
2. Attend the Holy Mass
I definitely don’t need to shout at the top of my voice and beat big drums to demonstrate how important this aspect is. Nothing takes the place of the Holy Mass as it is where we get to see the “Holy of Her”, to worship and commune with Jesus. Of course, there is no essence in celebrating Christmas while ignoring the person who is the reason for the season.
“You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psm 16:11).
Make a decision today to participate in the Holy Mass daily and watch God smile at you.
3. Make a visit to an orphanage home
You heard of the seven corporal works of Mercy? To feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, give shelter to travelers, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. Buying and wrapping some gifts then presenting them on your visit to one or more orphanage homes and spending quality time with the children there would be heart-warming. You could also assist with domestic chores there. There are a million gift choices like food materials, clothings, toiletries, toys, storybooks, stationeries and so many more. You could also assist with domestic chores. Orphanage visits would not only put smiles on the children’s faces but also warm God’s heart. He loves children, remember?
4. Prison visits
You ever thought about sharing your love to prisoners? They are the most dejected of all, not to forget the large number of them that are innocent but left to resign to their fate. While we get to meet, make merry and unite with loved ones, they don’t get to enjoy the same. Prison visit is a great way of service to God
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (Matt 25:35-36).
Visiting prisoners not only covers most of the corporal works of Mercy, it makes prisoners feel loved and will make God look at you with pride.
5. Help someone in need
Giving alms to beggars on the roadside quite cuts it but you can go further to help someone you know who is in dire need of something. Could be food, money for medical bills, school fees or even a listening ear. You can help a depressed person back on his feet. Just help someone.
6. Go on a pilgrimage
Pilgrimages are a great way to connect with God. There are several Christian sites you can visit on pilgrimage like Manger square where Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the Holy Land of Jerusalem, Nazareth, Jesus’s hometown and many others. It will leave you feeling entirely fulfilled and in tune with Christ the season.
The yuletide might be a lot of things to you; a time for fun, a time for love, a time to meditate, a time to unite with fam but it can be a blessing-packed time for you too!