Every year, as Christmas approaches, I make time to read one or two Christmas-themed stories. This year, one of the books I read is He Sees You When You’re Sleeping, written by mother-daughter duo Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark.

The story focuses on a character named Sterling Books who has been waiting for more than 40 years after his death to enter heaven. One day, Sterling is summoned by a Heavenly Council and given the chance to redeem himself by returning to earth and finding someone to help. Sterling finds a heartbroken young child named Marissa who has been separated from her father and grandmother because of their placement in the Witness Protection Program.

In this heartwarming story, Sterling devises a plan to assist Marissa and her family; and with special powers granted him by the Heavenly Council, Sterling finally learns what it means to live and love with an open heart.

The story is thought-provoking in the sense that Sterling’s sins were sins of omission. Sterling is not a terrible person, but he is awaiting entry into heaven because of the self-absorbed life he lived on earth and the love he withheld from so many of those around him.

As Christmas approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the love we give and the love we withhold from others. In the opening prayers of the Mass, we recite a Penitential prayer that includes these words:

“I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, through my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do.” (Excerpt from the Penitential Act of the Mass.)

Who are we failing to love? Why are we withholding love from others? The stories recorded in the New Testament are filled with observations of Jesus loving the people around Him so deeply. Shortly before He dies, Jesus prays these words to the Father:

Jesus said, “‘I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your Word … Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before creation.'” (John 17: 6, 24)

Jesus spent his human life sharing the Love of God with humanity through the Word of God. What is the secret to a life well-lived? According to Jesus, love God and love each other. Everything hangs on these two things. (Matthew 24: 36-40)

It’s hard sometimes to not be self-absorbed. It’s hard sometimes to forgive and to extend a loving gesture to someone who has caused us pain. But the rewards of loving as Jesus loves are so great.

Jesus said to the Father, “‘All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine. And glory has come to Me through those You have given Me to love.'” John 17: 10

Just like the character of Sterling Brooks, our own hearts are transformed as we extend love to others. Glorious joy and peace await all of us through love.

Jesus loves you so tenderly.

“He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.” Isaiah 40: 11