Advent 2009
It’s November; Christmas is just around the corner. How often at this point do we moan? “Why don’t they remember what Christmas is all about?” “It’s just TOO commercialized.” “We’ve lost the spirit of Jesus’ birth.” “I’m so tired I can’t enjoy anything.” “What can I do? How can I really celebrate Christ’s birth? Society conspires against me.” Every year we utter our complaints, but do we change?
We can ‘just say no’ and some do. But that seems so negative, sometimes Scrooge-like. We do enjoy the decorations, the wrapping paper, the tree, the good times with family and friends. Maybe we even truly relish giving and receiving that special gift. So how do we continue to do what brings joy and still honor the season?
Let me suggest we add, not subtract. Add times and activities that encourage us to do the work of Advent, to prepare our hearts and minds, as the saying goes, for the coming of the Lord. Make those activities a priority now! Our church family has ways; why not plan to be a part of them.
Decide to come to worship the four Sundays of Advent. And plan to come to mid-week evening prayers, Wednesday, 6:30, in the chapel during the season.
Daily use the Advent booklet (It will appear here daily) provided or some other devotional book for the season. It should add thought and fun.
Determine to do something for another each week. Take an angel from the angel tree in the narthex. ‘Buy’ and send a Voi card or another gift to service organization. Spend an afternoon with someone who cannot get out. Or…
Advent is the start of the church year. What a wonderful way to start anew your work to deepen your relationship with your Lord and to aid the communion of saints who faithfully strive to be heralds of God’s kingdom.
Blessings on the season
Caroline
It’s November; Christmas is just around the corner. How often at this point do we moan? “Why don’t they remember what Christmas is all about?” “It’s just TOO commercialized.” “We’ve lost the spirit of Jesus’ birth.” “I’m so tired I can’t enjoy anything.” “What can I do? How can I really celebrate Christ’s birth? Society conspires against me.” Every year we utter our complaints, but do we change?
We can ‘just say no’ and some do. But that seems so negative, sometimes Scrooge-like. We do enjoy the decorations, the wrapping paper, the tree, the good times with family and friends. Maybe we even truly relish giving and receiving that special gift. So how do we continue to do what brings joy and still honor the season?
Let me suggest we add, not subtract. Add times and activities that encourage us to do the work of Advent, to prepare our hearts and minds, as the saying goes, for the coming of the Lord. Make those activities a priority now! Our church family has ways; why not plan to be a part of them.
Decide to come to worship the four Sundays of Advent. And plan to come to mid-week evening prayers, Wednesday, 6:30, in the chapel during the season.
Daily use the Advent booklet (It will appear here daily) provided or some other devotional book for the season. It should add thought and fun.
Determine to do something for another each week. Take an angel from the angel tree in the narthex. ‘Buy’ and send a Voi card or another gift to service organization. Spend an afternoon with someone who cannot get out. Or…
Advent is the start of the church year. What a wonderful way to start anew your work to deepen your relationship with your Lord and to aid the communion of saints who faithfully strive to be heralds of God’s kingdom.
Blessings on the season
Caroline
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and will appear after they are approved.