The Advent Calendar

In the sermon this past weekend, we were challenged to reprioritize our lives.  As we begin Advent and the journey toward Bethlehem, perhaps we should ask ourselves: "What are we focusing on?"  Sometimes we get so busy we just want to “survive” Christmas rather than “celebrate” it.  There are parties and kids programs, invitations and cards to get out.  Not to mention the shopping and the shipping of gifts.  Then there are the outside lights and wreaths to hang, along with the Christmas tree and other decorations that need to be set up inside.  Survival sometimes seems to be our focus.

I’ve been reading Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose of Christmas, over the past week.  In the opening chapter of the book, he said this: 

Ironically, at most Christmas parties the person whose birthday you’re supposed to be celebrating is completely ignored.  He’s never even mentioned.  Although Jesus is the reason for the season, He’s often overlooked or merely mentioned along with Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, the Grinch, the elves and a long list of celebrated fictional characters. 

With all the Christmas activities, not to mention the busyness and stress we find as we work to get all the accoutrements of Christmas set up in our homes, it’s no wonder we have overlooked Jesus.  It’s no wonder that our priorities get a little out of whack during the Christmas season. 

Have you ever watched children during Advent and Christmas?  They have a sense of wonderment, excitement and awe.  When I was a child, I couldn’t wait to celebrate Jesus’ birthday!  I had an incredible sense of anticipation.  In fact, I remember when I was about five years old, I opened all the little windows on my Advent calendar because I couldn’t wait any longer.  My mom asked me why I had done that.  I replied, “Because I wanted to see the Baby Jesus!!”  My anticipation was so intense, I couldn’t wait for Dec 25 to finally SEE the Baby Jesus – I wanted Him NOW! 

Christmas, through the eyes of children, remind me of the shepherds who experienced the first Christmas.  In the birth story of Jesus, found in Luke 2, we find that after the shepherds had found Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus, they went home and told everyone. 

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”  (Luke 2:20) 

The shepherds had an uncontrolled excitement and they shared it with everyone!  When was the last time you were seen glorifying and praising God with a sense of wonderment and joy?  When did we forget to really celebrate the most amazing Gift ever given to the world – Jesus the Christ?

As we continue to prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas, may we also have a renewed “child-like” sense of wonderment and joy as we journey toward Bethlehem to encounter the birth of our Savior and Lord.

The song, “I Need a Silent Night” sung by Amy Grant, is a wonderful song that reminds us all of WHO should be the priority in our lives this Christmas and all 365 days of the year!  Listen now>>

So go ahead… open all the windows on your Advent calendar!  The Baby Jesus is waiting! 

Pax,

Pastor Carol