Advent’s love song: Can’t help falling in love with Jesus

by Gina Sternfels

By Gina Sternfels
NOLA Catholic Parenting

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” – not just because of the lights and decorations, but because we are in joyful anticipation of the birth of our savior. Let’s embrace this Advent season with joy and hope.

We have been thinking of Christmas early this year, singing Christmas songs in our house for months already. In my son’s music classes, he has been preparing for Christmas community events and his recital. He has worked on piano in the past, but singing has been new for us.

Because my son has autism, he struggles with Apraxia, a chronic neurological disorder that makes it difficult to perform certain movements or tasks, even though the person is willing and able to do so. This especially affects his ability to speak, so my son is considered an unreliable speaker. He is not conversational, so if he interacts, it is usually very scripted and predictable, which does not mean it is what he desires to say but it is what he has practiced most often.

He has enjoyed learning to use his voice through music and singing, especially with his teacher’s encouragement to speak the truth and build confidence. It has been rewarding to see his singing help him with articulation, inflection and speech rate. It takes intention for him to slow down because his body is often fast to do most things, which makes the little independent language sound muffled.

The unexpected gift was the joy of his singing and how it may touch people. There is a sweetness in watching him learn, work hard and see all the little improvements. If we can lean into learning and curiosity with ourselves, as we are with our children, we can be gentle with ourselves in our mistakes along the way, too. We can have more progress and peace, just as I give grace to my son. He is constantly teaching me and helping me reflect and bring it to Jesus.

In his first recital, he surprised us all with how well he sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” He knew he was performing, so he did his best. He swayed his body (he never does this), held the microphone as he was taught and sang from his heart. It invited people to sing with him quietly.

What a sweet moment to behold. When we shine in our gifts, we present Jesus to others in that moment. It encourages invitation. What an opportunity we have as we begin Advent.

We are hopeful people! We can grow in our faith as we joyfully move into Advent awaiting our savior, Jesus.

What if you have more intention during Advent when you can’t help falling in love with Jesus more?

Does Jesus want to bring you his peace this Advent by spending more time with you? Is there a place in life where you can be Jesus to others?

Thank you, Jesus, for always being there and for your invitation to a closer relationship with you during Advent. You can’t help falling in love with me again and again; help me open my hands to receive all the gifts you bring us: hope, faith, joy and peace. You are so good all the time.

Gina Sternfels lives in Covington with her family. She is passionate about disabilities as she has a son with autism. She is a certified Catholic Coach working with families, couples and individuals. She graduated from LSU where she studied fine arts and psychology. She is a member of the Archdiocesan Commission on Persons with Disabilities and serves with Catholic Engaged Encounter, Regnum Christi and NOLA Catholic Parenting.