Advent. Family

This season, this season

of expectation,

so many look forward to family reunions.

My heart saddens. I do not have

these wildly wonderful extended families

beloved by many.

And while I thank Jesus

for my own little family

which I love to talk of

I know that for so many others

there IS no family. Brothers,

sisters, parents are far-flung – or not even there.

So why do we talk so much of FAMILY

when Mary was alone, shunned,

disgraced by the news of unwed pregnancy?

No relatives took her in.

We do not hear of visits, except from strangers.

Not for her the cosiness of a warm, welcoming home.

Let us be sensitive. This is a joyous season

for this only one reason: HE comes.

Our saviour, our rescuer, our friend, our brother.

THIS is the cause of our celebration.