Three weeks ago, on the first Sunday of Advent, we celebrated the beginning of the new church year. We were invited to a meaningful, sacred journey with God in preparation for the coming of baby Jesus.
We’re encouraged to slow down, prepare by reading scriptures, or perhaps become more intentional in reflection and prayer. This weekend, as we approach the fourth Sunday of Advent, we know our spiritual preparation for the coming birth of Jesus is almost over. As we begin the final week of Advent, expectation for many of us is overcome by exhaustion, stress, or a foreboding sense of doom.
Whether that expectation is what to prepare for Christmas dinner or stressing over how to pay for a pile of presents we can’t afford, or – buried somewhere in there, the birth of baby Jesus– the anticipation now seems endless, like a long overdue project, and seems overwhelming even to the most unwavering person.
The needles on the Christmas tree, which in many households has been up since Thanksgiving, have started to turn brown, and we’re praying the tree will last until Christmas night without catching on fire. We still haven’t decided who – if anyone – will host Christmas, who’s bringing what, where we’re traveling, who’s coming, who’s going and when. It’s no wonder that many are prompted to wish that Christmas is over before it even starts.
Who wouldn’t feel troubled when we’re constantly bombarded by tragic news of yet another school shooting adds to the persistent anger, resentment, and angst generated by a steady 24/7 feed of bad news. It’s no surprise that constant news watching can contribute to depression and anxiety, and statistics indicate it is especially exacerbated during the holiday season.
As followers of Jesus, we emphasize having faith in and trusting in God, and that perhaps when we experience doubts, or have trouble turning it over to God, it’s seen as a negative thing. But not all doubt or troubled feelings are bad or even harmful to our faith. How we handle periods such as these can draw us toward deeper faith in God.
This season, I would ask that you not let doubt or the darkness of our troubled world derail the rest of your Advent or the upcoming Christmas season. Don’t let the talking heads on TV and the keyboard warriors on social media dictate what you’re “supposed” to wear, eat, drink, buy, and how you’re supposed to be celebrating and when, and with whom… in order to have the best Christmas.
Some of the things folks, including me, have done the past few weeks may have been many things, but it isn’t Advent. Don’t buy into the commercial frenzy that is about to ramp up even more this week in the last few days before Christmas. Instead, find and go to that quiet place. I know you have one. Reflect. Close your eyes, be still, breathe deeply. Draw inwardly and lean on your faith in God. Find peace and meaning during all the chaos. Relish the special journey for what it is – that we come to know the love of Christ, not only this Advent and Christmas, but always.
Deacon Loretta
