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O Come, O Come Emmanuel! We sing these words of longing throughout the Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the miracle of Christmas! Emmanuel, “God With Us”! For some reason, I am touched this year more than ever by the belief that God became one of us, that God loved us so much that he chose to become human as an innocent baby boy that grew up in a family with a mother and a foster father. God chose to be with us, walking and talking and crying and laughing and praying and loving and serving.
As Ambrosians, we, too, choose to BEE with one another and with God’s beloved people, our classmates, teammates, co-workers and our neighbors in the surrounding community and throughout the world. We just completed our 30 days of prayer and service for Bee the Difference Month when we were challenged to spend extra time with God in prayer and with God’s people.
Being with one another changes everything. When we are with one another, we get to know each other in a way that is deeper and more intimate than we otherwise would. Our eyes are open and bonds are formed by sharing meals together, working side by side, enjoying a cup of coffee, crying on each other’s shoulders, learning new skills, creating something useful and beautiful or playing a game.
For several years during spring break, I accompanied students to the Well of Mercy in Chicago, a shelter for homeless pregnant women and mothers. The mothers and children welcomed us as guests in their home. We shared meals with them, held babies, changed diapers, deep cleaned the nursery and kitchen and most importantly played games and “hung out” with the moms. We heard their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future. We got to know them and love them in just a few days of living together. The mothers were amazed that college students chose to spend their spring break with them!
Choosing to BEE with someone is a great act of LOVE. Our God chose to come to us as a baby in a smelly stable for animals so that we would know how much we are loved. Our presence with others provides opportunities to share this deep and profound love.
May this Christmas and the new year be a time to remember, celebrate and share that love.
Have a question about a program or event going on in Campus Ministry? Got an idea for something you'd like to see happen? EMAIL US at ministry@sau.edu.
