Day #2 CCD: Angels We Have Heard On High

The baby got sick, so I'm late again.  But no worries.  It's all about priorities.  So while he's finally sound asleep, I snuck out to do a quick reflection for Day #2.

Please remember that I'm following the Carols: A Christmas Devotional plan from The (free) Bible App.  I invite you to join me, for 25 days, by commenting or linking or both!  And tweet me with #25DaysCCD so I won't miss your post.  ;)

Ready....go!

Day #2

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have on heard high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in Excelsis Deo

What inspires awe in you? What things cause you to become speechless when you see them? Is it the sight of a family member you haven’t seen in years? Is it visiting a majestic place like a mountain or a historical place like the ancient pyramids of Egypt? The night Christ was born was the most monumental and awe-inspiring event that has ever occurred in human history, as God sent His one and only Son to earth so that we could ultimately have eternal life. There has not been an event in history before or after Christ’s birth that resulted in such celebration that the angels themselves made their physical presence known and their voices heard in song. Can you imagine how the shepherds’ jaws must have dropped at the sight and sounds of the angels? That moment was so majestic that we probably cannot fully comprehend what it was like because honestly, none of us have encountered such a sight.

It seems like people tend to have fewer experiences these days of complete awe. Technology has brought so much of the world to our living rooms and fingertips that we can see anything we want and feel like we are anywhere we want to be. Unfortunately, most of us probably have fewer awe-inspiring moments with God than we should. Our relationship with Him often becomes too comfortable and even ordinary. This Christmas, make an attempt to regain those awe-inspiring moments with God. Strive to make your relationship with Him something so inspiring that it causes you to rejoice like the angels did. Don’t let your relationship with Him be ordinary, but rather make it extraordinary.

Questions:

Think about some awe-inspiring moments you’ve had with God. How have these moments transformed you?

What changes do you need to make in your life so that you can start having more awe-inspiring moments with God?

The first thing that comes to mind for me, was when I received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  I'm a "cradle Catholic" and never really got past my First Communion rites.  But I found that in order to get married (at the church we wanted), I needed to be Confirmed first.  So I took classes there - and prayed the Rosary more than I ever had in my entire life - and deepened my knowledge of Catholicism.

This time was probably the closest I've ever been to God, and also the most active I've been in my spiritual life.  I followed Catholic current events, read the Catechism, and even read a few saint biographies (A Story of A Soul about St. Therese of the Child Jesus was my favorite)!

At that time, there was no doubt in my mind that I was, at least, going to Purgatory - and eventually, Heaven.

These days, however, I'm afraid that I've been lacking in the spiritual department.  And that is not good - especially since my kids are ever watchful in all I say and do.

The change I most need to do is to incorporate more prayers into my day.  Whether alone or with the kids, I need to talk to God in prayer.  Awe-inspiring moments will come when God wills it, but not until I learn to listen to Him first, right?

So yes.  Prayers.  Prayers.  Prayers.

Then I'll be ready to be inspired!

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