We handed out Advent calendars to all the children at church at the beginning of December. I’m sure you remember those fun calendars with the little doors – you open one each day until Christmas Day, December 25.
The children were excited and remembered similar calendars from the previous year. Other younger children needed the instructions about opening only one, yes, and only one door each morning. The next day I found a few calendars left behind in the classroom and hallway.
And more than one had each of the 25 doors opened.
I just have to smile when I find the remains of their enthusiasm. I could well imagine the excited little child who pried each door open, not aware of the process of patience and waiting. I thought about it, and it seems to me to reflect our own Advent discipline and the tension that exists in hoping and waiting.
In churches across the globe, this season of Advent is more than a rush or countdown toward Christmas. Advent is a church season to slow down.
The season of Advent has hymns that describe waiting and watching and preparing, not for Ol’ Santa Claus, not even the anticipation of the birth of Jesus; but for a spiritual fulfillment, a promise of peace, hope for justice and righteousness, an anticipation that God has blessings in our future.
The season of Advent has biblical readings that do not sound like nostalgic Christmases of yore, “In those days a decree went out…” (Luke 2:1) but convey words of promise and challenge, of beginnings and renewal, of wisdom and work, “The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6,7)
Advent teaches us in the midst of a cultural emphasis on the immediate consumption of things to be filled with the spiritual blessings that may take time to cultivate through slower disciplines, which require focus and dedication.
It is as if the Advent season invites us to pull up a comfy chair in front of the hearth and take some time to ponder the myriad ways God is touching the earth with grace upon grace. And this is not a natural inclination for children, and in fact not for some adults either.
Many of us have been enjoying Hallmark Christmas stories for many weeks; many of us have strung the lights outside and put up a Christmas tree inside. We have been shopping and thinking about those we love. We have been preparing cards and receiving cards wishing us Merry Christmas.
In addition, we may be caught up in a flurry of gatherings, concerts, and parties to attend. And all of these activities are wonderful and enriching too. But in some respects, like those little ones who tore open every door right away, we aren’t waiting or slowing down either.
And so in the midst of what our culture has come to call the Christmas season, the churches still practice Advent; and this will be the third Sunday. This is a time to take time; a time to reflect on blessings; a time to share blessing; a time to wonder how each of us can make a difference in large or small ways; a time to pray; a time to let your gentleness be known to everyone; a time to sing for joy; a time to remember; a time to plan.
It is a wonderful time to go to your church with praise and thanksgiving in your heart; for this is your time, and “with joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This month our contributor is Reverend Mark Ditmanson of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.
Leave a Reply