Find the full text of the homily here.
Questions for Personal Reflection
- In what areas of my life do I currently feel like I am in a state of darkness or uncertainty? How can I embrace this time as an opportunity for growth and transformation?
- Reflecting on my past experiences, can I identify moments when I felt lost or directionless, but later recognized them as times of formation? What insights did I gain from those experiences?
- How can I be more attentive to the ways God might be shaping me in this current season? Are there specific actions I can take to nurture my spiritual well-being during this time?
Resources for Further Reflection
Children’s Book: God’s Holy Darkness by Sharei Green, Beckah Selnick, and Nikki Faison
In this beautifully illustrated book, the authors explore some of the moments in Scripture which present darkness as something holy.
Children’s Book: Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne
In this rendition of the famous Christmas hymn, the illustrations are strikingly dark in color and wonderfully moving.
Poetry: Advent Poems by Tania Runyan
In this collection of poems for Advent, Tania Runyan imagines Jesus speaking to his mother from the womb, each poem from another stage of the journey of pregnancy. Much of the imagery of this homily was inspired by Runyan’s poems, which I encountered throughout this season of Advent.
Thoughts on Faith 
Loved this Homily. The Beatles song kept running through my thoughts. ” Hello darkness my old friend”. I thought of the many dark times of my life, when in the dark time, I was forced to listen. I never minded the darkness, as I felt comfort in waiting or listening. But the darkness of the womb , now that is profound! And so,I wish to meditate more on this . I wish so you were close in Tequesta, so I could share with you, and i am so sorry I let a whole year plus of your presence, not to have tapped your marvelous spiritual thoughts more. Only few times in one’s life does a spiritual person appear, and to think that I let the time go by too fast. I do miss you, but, at least, this is one source venue that I can treasure. Thank you, Fr. Derek. May your Christmas with family and Flock be absolutely marvelous for you . And that love gift of the Christ Child within, continue to radiate Love, to all.
Merry Christmas
Joa
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