I pray that you and yours are well in this season of Advent: in this time when we're preparing to celebrate the coming of Christ at Christmas, to celebrate the coming of Christ into our lives today, and His final coming when heaven and earth will be restored and everyone and everything are set right in God's ultimate plan of salvation. Whew! That's a lot to prepare for when most of us were just doing all we can do to prepare for our little Christmas celebrations in two weeks or so.
Advent is the season of the Church year when we prepare for Christ to come. In past generations, it has been a season of repentance and penitence and sometimes fasting, as a means for us to remember the many ways we have sinned and strayed from God, so that we can more fully appreciate the grace and joy that Christmas brings. More currently, it's a quieter season when we are trying to listen for Christ's call and God's presence in our life, so that the true meaning of Christmas - God with us - is more real. Either way is a good spiritual path to follow because whenever we can make more room for God in our lives, He is always ready and willing to enter in and be with us.
This Advent feels somehow different to me. I am sensing a deep anxiety about life and church and the future. Some of it may be the prevalence of terrorism and racial violence that seems so very close to our homes and lives. Some it may be the economy which seems to be a little off kilter still, though generally better than it was a few years ago. Some of it, at St. David's at least, is the new space, newer clergy, and wondering if things will settle down (working on it, I promise). Some of it may be the changes in all of our lives that is a constant gift and challenge, which unsettles us and has us wondering about the future.
Take heart! The world has spun in this way before and, most importantly, we are not alone. Even in the midst of our spiritual and physical preparations for Christmas and the anxiety and fear many of us are feeling in our current day, we are not alone. The God who came down that first Christmas to show us that the face of God is a face of love, mercy and grace is with us. We may not see that face all the time. We may not feel that presence. We may be wanting a little more peace in our hearts, but God is with you and me always, whatever we may be facing as individuals, as families, as a church community, and as a nation. God is working His purposes out and, quickly or slowly, He will have the final word: and that word is life!
So take a moment and breathe. Breathe in the goodness and presence of God that is there for you and me. Slow down for a moment and consider all your blessings in the midst of your fears and uncertainties. It may not be balanced at the moment, but the decision to breathe and take heart will allow God the space to slip in and give you that peace that passes understanding.
Get yourself ready for Christmas and for life by taking heart, because God loves that heart and is there for you always.
