Challenges for Advent

Howdy, long time no blog! I figured I should probably update since I've had people call to make sure I was still alive and well. Here's a shout-out to the Thebos. :o) Well, Christmas is coming up in a couple weeks, and I've really tried to observe the whole Advent season this year. Here are a few things I'm trying to challenge myself with, and maybe it'll help you out too.

1. Remember the reason for the season.
It's sooo easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. There are so many things to worry about. Decorations, the presents, the FOOD, traveling, Santa, etc....the list could go on and on. While the Christmas spirit is a wonderful thing, it can sometimes be a distraction in itself. Just relax and remember why we're celebrating in the first place.

2. Don't forget the cross.
Obviously, the focus of Christmas is the birth of Christ. However, we often want to center in on the beautiful nativity story and discard the rest. The peaceful image of the baby Jesus lying in the manger surrounded by angels and those who have come to adore Him is a very inviting portrayal. Much more inviting than the image of a rugged, bloody cross. The birth of Christ was such a monumental occurrence...but the Christian faith isn't what it is because of the birth, but the death and resurrection. That's what separates Christianity from other religions. We serve a RISEN Savior. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the birth of Jesus was not extraordinary, merely that we can't lose focus of the cross amidst the more pleasant images associated with this season.

3. Examine the faithfulness of Mary.
I visited Prattville FUMC a couple weeks ago and Bro. Randy addressed something I've never really thought about before. Mary could have said no. When the angel came to her and explained that she would give birth to the son of God, she replied with this. "I am the Lord's servant. May it be as you have said." (Luke 1:38) Just try to put yourself in her shoes. She was just a young girl (most likely 13-16) with a very modest and humble life. Becoming pregnant out of wedlock would often result in stoning if accused by the partner. No one would look at her the same...she would bring shame to her family...who would believe her? I can't imagine everything she was thinking. But she chose to be faithful. If you haven't seen The Nativity Story, I highly recommend it. It really captures to humanness of Mary and Joseph. They are afraid, but don't hesitate to admit it. They remain faithful even in the face of great trial. And because of their faithfulness, God's ultimate will for our salvation was accomplished. What excuse do we have not to be faithful?

In closing, this is "A Prayer for Advent" by Frederick Buechner.

Holy Child, whom the shepherds and the kings and the dumb beasts adored, be born again.

Wherever there is boredom,
wherever there is failure,
wherever there is temptation too strong to resist,
wherever there is bitterness of heart,
come, thou blessed one, with healing in thy wings.

Savior, be born in each of us who raises a face to thy face,
not knowing fully who he is or who thou art,
knowing only that thy love is beyond his knowing
and that no other has the power to make him whole.

Come, Lord Jesus, to each who longs for thee
even though he has forgotten thy name.

Come quickly.

Amen.