Are you spiritually prepared for a meaningful Advent season?

I anticipate a very good Advent preparation time. I believe that "the world"
is seeking 'listeners" ... and it's my thought that I should 'play Santa' during this time. Not in the material giving per se; but in spiritual giving. ie: to let
others who cross my path talk...and 'hear' without commenting...but to
try hard to understand what they are really asking for...and then pray to God that he grant them the 'spiritual gift' they are seeking...

ie: the gifts of the Holy Spirit is Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom, Counsel,
Piety (faithfulness to God) 'respect' for God (fear of the Lord), Fortitude,
Self Control.

For instance should someone cross my path who is complaining of all they must do, how hard life is, how it's all up to them...His ears in me may actually
hear that what this person needs is 'the gift of piety' FAITH in GOD who gives us our strength. And without getting upset at this person's words, I would pray
for that gift for that person.

If one is fearful of having to undergo a medical procedure, dental procedure,
start a new job, or anything new...and they are constantly talking of the anxiety - the gift they need is fortitude and such would be the prayer

or running into a 'what it' person who what ifs all the scenarios of
a situation and really starts nothing...such would need the gift of counsel.

Human words can come across as irritating but not if we are listening with
his ears. Then, we can see this person who came across our path as God's
gift to us...to grow WHOLE (ie: holy...by praying for this struggling one)

Just as jolly Santa sat and listened as 'the kiddies' rattled off thier wants
so too can we be 'spiritual santas' to those who 'want' but 'ask wrongly'
With His ears...we can pray that God give them the elusive gift that will
fill them with peace. HIS LIFE within them.

Amen

Dear Anonymous. Yours is certainly a God-inspired resolution and a sure way of showering God's grace to others in need. I will take it to heart and try to imitate your approach to people and life during this Advent. It sure is so Christ-like. God bless you

I'd like to further clarify a last sentence in my post above: "as jolly Santa sat and listened as 'the kiddies' rattled off thier wants -- so too can we be 'spiritual santas' to those who 'want' but 'ask wrongly'

We all remember the gift we told Santa about, but never got. The pony [usually spoken by the child living in a third floor walk up. : ) ] The two
wheel bicycle (hey; what did it matter if the legs couldn't yet reach pedals?)
The red wagon (that came -- but in blue)

Children 'ask wrongly' ... thinking only what is 'good for self' - without any
in depth thought to 'the whole picture'

Wise 'mature' Santa's ... listen to the request but don't offer promised delivery of the coveted item. Generally, Santa states: thank you Johnny
for sharing that. I'll keep that in my mind and be assured I won't forget you on Christmas. In the acknowledgement of child's words; child is satisfied.

When as spiritual santa we hear talk that has a ring of 'me only' in the words, It's good to remember the Santa of our youth. Do not attempt to offer
'solutions' to talk as mentioned above. They really don't want solutions. Just
someone to listen. We Acknowledge, Lift the speaker up (give hope in the
caring of them) and pray with love for God to provide them 'the gift' they
really seek but can't yet put in words. When they 'feel' someone cared;
they are satisfied...no matter how anything comes to be.

When they 'feel' "SANTA" cared; they are satisfied [no matter how it comes out on Christmas morning] Santa is the human personification of the Spirit
of Love...eventually 'the child' grows out of needing a Santa because the
child KNOWS LOVE ...ie KNOWS 'THE GOD' ... ie: grasps the real concept
of CHRISTMAS...'on this day was born to you - A SAVIOR - CHRIST, the
Lord.'

Those who 'as yet' do not know THE God are 'satisfied' if we show them
'God' ... in us. 2nd Corinthians Chap 5 verse 16 - 21. We are NOT GOD
and we shouldn't think ourselves to be God. BUT in our actions of GOD IN
US...we can bring those with the above human words to come to
reconcile thier human words to HIS WORDS, and grasp 'the real meaning of life on this earth'

(we listen, as God listens to us) we guide them (as God guides us) we show mercy when they err in decisions - ie: we don't bust on them or make them feel bad...we teach [as in the words: "...nor do I condemn you, go and SIN NO MORE] specifically, we love others AS GOD LOVED US...(but the reality
is: our love is not 'human love' it is GOD LOVE...and GOD LOVE is eternal
human love is only 'a temporal passing and self centered' love for temporal
needs of 'the self' (which moth eats and rust corrodes)

Children see only love in the getting of their wants (red wagon, bike or pony)
ie: giving TO self.

Adults see love as the giving OF self.