Animate Youth Ministry

My favourite time of the year By Ellie Leatherbarrow, Animate Youth Ministries’ retreat co-ordinator

It is December, the month of preparation, of looking forward to the birth of Our Saviour. Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, especially this year without any restrictions and being able to enjoy all of my family’s traditions.

Christmas truly starts for me when I get to see the Coca-Cola advert on TV. The build-up is always so magical, making sure we have everything ready. Luckily this year I have made a head start on my Christmas shopping, starting to buy the gifts for my loved ones in August. I have been trying to get ahead of the game and so have not had the stress of running around trying to figure out what people would like. So, I can truly embrace the real meaning of Christmas this year. So many times I have forgotten what this true meaning is. But this year, being prepared has allowed me to focus on the love and joy; on the fact that it is not about having the best gift but being around family and making more time for prayer and reflection.

My Advent this year has started with the Baptism of my cousin – something to celebrate as we welcomed him into the Church community. Starting the season with such an important sacrament has allowed me to open my heart and eyes to the Lord as it made me realise how we are all children of God and how amazing this time of year is. With the third week of Advent touching on John the Baptist, it shows how important a Baptism is. When Jesus was baptised, it showed his complete humility. In both Jesus’ Baptism and His birth, He clearly displayed the desire to become one with us, so that He can raise us up with him. On the first Sunday of Advent at Animate, we were able to celebrate by having a Service of Light, listening to testimonies, hymns and having time to reflect on the journey ahead – followed by a Christmas quiz. It was great to see people from all around the Archdiocese coming together to celebrate this time of year and even more great to see everyone’s best Christmas jumper! There are so many more traditions I am looking forward to this year, one of them being putting all the Christmas decorations up at Lowe House even though it does take a long time. Others include going to the Christmas markets, spending time with friends and family, and eating my Christmas dinner. Yet my favourite tradition is going to Midnight Mass on the 24th with my Grandma, when we are able to celebrate the birth of Jesus, to say thank you, and to sing all of our favourite Christmas carols.

I would like to wish you all the best this Christmas. I hope this season will be filled with Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.