DECEMBER 11, 2020
It is the Advent season. A season observed by many Christian Churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation. Wikipedia says Advent starts November 29, 2020 and is observed by Christians. Based on all of the advertising, decorations, money spent, and signs in our society, one might say that Advent is actually observed and welcomed by more than just Christians. Yes, Christmas is coming and it will certainly be viewed differently this year based on the political, pandemic, and economic turmoil our Country has endured. Some might think that advent is only an arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. I HOPE you look at advent as more than just another Holiday or event. Try reflecting and enjoying the positive spirit this season brings. Not just from giving but learning to receive as well.
We just celebrated Thanksgiving. I HOPE you were able to grasp the true meaning of Thanksgiving and carry it with you the rest of the year. We all have so much to be thankful for that many of us just take for granted all that we have accumulated. Is that what we are here for? To accumulate things? To covet what others have? To lie, cheat and steal, in order to get our way? To demand our way in an election or else? To attack each other on Black Friday: I HOPE not. I choose to accumulate memories and renewed relationships with those that I love.
Christmas is a great time to watch the excitement of the season in our children and grandchildren. They have HOPE for what’s to come. But for some people, this season is actually kind of hopeless. Maybe it is a reminder that their lives aren’t going the way they wanted or others don’t love and respect them as much as they expected. Maybe they are missing loved ones that used to lighten the room with their presence.
We need to remember that there is always HOPE. I read a good acronym for HOPE the other day. “Holding On with Patient Expectation.” God used Biblical characters to remind us that we may not be the only ones going through tough times this season. He showed us those who had lost everything and that had much less than many of us today. (I assume Moses didn’t have a cellphone back then or he wouldn’t have had to climb the mountain) Yet, many of them found HOPE and believed that there was something greater to come.
Praying for all of you who may be going through tough times in your mind and heart this advent season. Find your light then go prepare yourself (“Prepare the Way”) to be a light for others in strengthening your relationships and building lifelong memories. They will sustain you during your darkest hours. Remember, God is enough and he is in charge.
Elevator Guy