Advent Musings
between Thanksgiving and Christmas. What’s this time all about anyway? For Christians it’s a good reminder to slow down, reflect, anticipate, wonder. As our ancestors of old waited thousands of years for a Savior, we wait for God to make himself known to us anew during this holy season.
We know that
Jesus has already come, yet we get bogged down, distracted, forgetful of his
presence in our world. So the Advent readings remind us to “Be alert!” “Wake up!”
Your salvation is near at hand. What does this mean today for 21st century
people?
For one
thing, it calls us to be hopeful people. In the midst of all the conflict,
confusion, and chaos around us, God assures us he is near. He wants each of us
to bring his presence into the messiness of our world and do what we can to
spread his peace and love. That might mean visiting shut-ins or prisoners,
caring for aging relatives, writing cards to people we have not thought of for
a while, volunteering at food pantries, protesting unjust laws, or seeking
reconciliation with someone we are at odds with.
We may have
to buy gifts and decorate the house in this pre-Christmas season, but that ought to be secondary. Take time
to reflect and wonder at the miracles that surround us – a laughing child, glittering stars
at night, an unexpected visit, a bonus at work, a letter from a long lost
friend, and for some of us, just being able to get up in the morning without pain. These Advent gifts can fill us with an
awareness that God is truly with us. Theyare ours
if we put aside our busyness and see the One whom we are waiting for, right here, right now!
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