Advent: Week 1
This morning begins a four week countdown to Christmas. Some of us will respond in panic, others with a lacustre 'bah humbug', and the rest have already been listening to Christmas carols since September (when Costco put out their trees).
Whatever your response, I hope that you will use our use of Advent to increase your faith in Jesus and not the season.
For those of us that go into panic mode, start by stopping. Reflect on what is important and get rid of the things that aren't necessary. Take out a calendar or paper and organize the next four weeks giving extra effort towards making things simpler. Perhaps this is the year you don't mail out Christmas cards, or you scale back all the dinners and parties, or you buy less, or??
For those of us that have a 'bah humbug' attitude (this comes and goes with me depending on the year), let go of past experiences or the present stress of this year's situations and embrace what Christmas is really about... Jesus coming to save us! Allow the hope that we have in Jesus to fill your heart and your life. Also, keep a safe distance from people in the next category :).
Lastly, if you are a Christmas fanatic and love every minute of the season... try being more sensitive. Help out the "Chicken Little's" of the first category; step carefully around the "Scrooge's" (unless you want egg nog in your face); and then, if you want an extra challenge, try reflecting on your motives to see where your heart should be adjusted.
Here's to a season that can make or break us... the decision is all ours! Much love, Clint.
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