Advent is a time of preparation. It’s
a time in which we prepare our hearts and our minds to remember and receive the
greatest gift of all-the gift of hope found in a baby lying in a manger. It’s a
time in which we recall the story of His birth and the importance of His
coming. And you cannot separate the two as the gift of hope is really the gift
of freedom-the gift of salvation. Advent and the Cross are linked and they are
linked by the one they have in common-Jesus, our Savior.
Sadly, Advent and Christmas have
been hijacked by distractions of the world. You know, the ones that present
great opportunities in the form of sales-whether it’s buy one, get one half off,
or the deep discounts of 50%-60% off everything in the store. Like that huge
flat screen tv you’ve been eyeing…these are the “joyous” distractions that keep
our focus and energy on others.
To be clear, thinking about others
isn’t a bad thing, but it has the potential in this frame of mind or focus to
distract us from what Advent is really about. Too often this time of year is
spent on stressing about that perfect gift for that special someone or family
member-a focus on gifts and more stuff. Again, thinking about others and purchasing
gifts are inherently bad, but it is when you find yourself wracked with stress
or guilt that we know we have lost our way. What’s worse…is that it has become
the norm.
Christmas for many begins just
before Thanksgiving-there are plans to camp out at the store that meets the
greatest needs for all on the list, that
also minimize the financial impact on the future. It’s the “joyous”
participation of saving money all in the guise of the Christmas spirit. Sure,
Mary and Joseph encountered some bumps along the road-no room in the inn and
staying in a stable full of animals, but their purpose was to prepare for the
child that was to be born…I wonder, what does the stress of shopping prepare us
for?
Friends, I challenge you to
prayerfully consider this Advent the real “reason for the season”-especially if
you haven’t begun or finished your shopping. As it isn’t found in the stress,
but in the peace, hope, and joy that comes from a heart that is prepared for
the coming of the Lord. It’s in the time that is spent in all the right places
at all the right times among those who matter most in your life. It’s not found
in the gifts under the tree and whether or not it will be good enough, it’s
found in the presence of being present.
May you come to lay down your
stress this Advent and open your heart and your mind to the joy of the season…to
let God be at work in and through you in all that you say and in all that you
do in His name.
Amen and Merry Christmas!
