Happy Christmas season Knights!
I hope you all had a great thanksgiving, whether that was spent back at home, here at Notre Dame, or somewhere else surrounded by family and friends. As we all arrive back to Keenan, I’d like to start off our advent reflection series by talking about childlike wonder.
Looking back to the holiday seasons of my childhood, I think of all the excitement, joy, and peace that came with the colder weather. As a kid, I would marvel at the idea of celebrating the birth of Jesus and look forward to spending time with my extended family. As the years went by and I gained new responsibilities though, the holiday season seemed to lose its excitement for me. With finals week coming up, for most of us, this period of the year can be met with nervous and overwhelming feelings.
It is as advent begins that I’d like to remind everyone to take time to appreciate the holiday season and approach it with the excitement that you had when you were a little kid. A couple of weeks ago, Father Lou preached about the importance of having the heart of a child when it came to our faith and our love for Jesus. I believe every one of us, no matter our faith, can learn from children as to how to approach this holiday season. Let us all take time in our busy schedules in these upcoming weeks to appreciate the gift that has been given to us this year with an open heart. This can be through a trip to the grotto, attending daily mass, having a silent reflection, prayer, or just spending time with friends and enjoying everything that comes with the holiday season. Take moments to look around and remember that you’re in a very special place, during a very special time.
I wish you all luck in the upcoming weeks with finals and hope you all step back and rekindle the joy you had as a child for this season.
God bless and Go Irish!
~ Ryan Broussard
Notre Dame 2025