Is 40:25-31 Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10 Mt 11:28-30

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength,
they will soar as with eagles’ wings;
They will run and not grow weary,
walk and not grow faint.

It seems to me that December has become a month of weariness. We students have to rush around the last weeks of the semester, studying for exams and finishing final projects. Then at home, there is Christmas shopping to do, cleaning or decorating the house for company, maybe traveling, interacting with relatives we may not have seen for awhile. All of those activities piled on top of each other can become very stressful. In December, I also find myself evaluating the past year and going over my regrets and remembering where I came up short.

The readings today bring us a message of comfort, however. They are here to remind us that this season is supposed to be joyful. We are preparing to celebrate the coming our Lord and our salvation! In the first reading, we see that God is constantly looking out for us. He never grows tired and weary like we do, and He can give us that strength and vigor that we lack. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that He can take our burdens for us and give us rest.

The stresses and burdens that pile up at the end of the year can often block out the joy of the coming holiday. The readings today should remind us to take a deep breath, relax, and give our burdens over to God. He will transform them and give us the energy He himself possesses. God wants us to celebrate Christmas with a light heart, so let’s allow Him to give us that gift during Advent.