In a world that is constantly in motion, the idea of being present to people can feel counterintuitive. We are constantly moving from one place to another, both in the real world and digitally. We have grown critical and suspicious of those who are too sedentary, and we can easily confuse a quiet disposition or contemplative nature with inertia. This can lead to busying ourselves with indiscriminate multitasking.
Supporting this penchant for action are cultural celebrations and traditions. We approach different holiday celebrations with lists of things to get done and with plenty of distractions from the things we are trying to achieve. Without being hypercritical of our actions or intentions that precede festive moments, we can admit, for example, that the Christmas spirit often gives way to countless commercial efforts, and we forget to reflect on its deeper meaning and purpose.
Perhaps most emblematic of this loss of focus on what really matters is reflected in family gatherings during the holidays. We worry about finding the perfect gift or stress out about having to be with others who might bring up issues from the past or from the current political or religious landscape. Rather than embrace the possibility of a more meaningful encounter with those with whom we disagree, we end up choosing to avoid one another instead of being truly present to each other.
Still, in faith, we can point to Advent — now behind us — and the Christmas season before us as great opportunities that bring us back to what is essential, meaningful and important for our lives and relationships. There is something fitting to having four weeks of Advent and 12 days of Christmas, reminding and encouraging us to be more intentional in our spiritual reflections, especially as we seek to encounter one another in new ways during festive moments.
With Mary, then, we can contemplate and wonder what the angel Gabriel’s presence and promise meant: “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth…and coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.’ But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus’” (Luke 1: 26-28).
The promise and presence of the angel Gabriel to Mary is also a moment of grace meant for each one of us. Indeed, the promise and love of God for us has always been present from generation to generation. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us: “Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name Him Emmanuel [God-with-us]” (Isaiah 7: 10-14).
As we enter this wonderful Christmas time and prepare for the Epiphany of the Lord, we pause to ponder and contemplate what it truly means to know that to us a child has been born, a son has been given who will be called Wonder Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). And as we come together in Christ’s promise and presence, let us embrace those around us who need us the most without reserve. Let us also pray for peace to the Prince of Peace who is near to us this day and every day.
Javier Orozco is the executive director of human dignity and intercultural affairs for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.