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November 25, 2005
Pondering the Season
Mother Teresa once noted that the first person to welcome Christ was John the Baptist, who leaped for joy on recognizing him, though both of them were still within their mothers' wombs. We, in stark contrast, are often so dulled by superficial distractions that we are incapable of hearing any voice within, let alone listening to it. Consequently, the feeling we know as Christmas cheer lacks any real connection to the vital spirit that radiated from the manger.We miss the essence of Christmas unless we become, in the words of Eberhard Arnold, "mindful of how Christ's birth took place." Once we do, we will sense immediately that Advent marks something momentous: God's coming into our midst. That coming is not just something that happened in the past. It is a recurring possibility here and now. And thus Advent is not merely a commemorative event or an anniversary, but a yearly opportunity for us to consider the future, second Advent - the promised coming of God's kingdom on earth.
Charles Moore reflects on Advent, which begins this Sunday. A good reading to begin the Season, particularly on this day of the kick-off of that other season--consumerism. Do not get me wrong, I am no Scrooge, nor a Christian ascetic, I will buy and receive gifts this year too. However, I think it would be well for all of us, Christian and non-Christian alike, to use this time to reflect on that which is truly meaningful in life--that which transcends the baubles we give each other.
As an aside, last year our family began using an Advent wreath for the first time. If you have never done so, I would very much recommend starting that tradition in your own family. We found it to be very rewarding.
Posted by Mark at November 25, 2005 06:50 AM
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» pre-Advent Thoughts from BlogWatch
Two thoughts for "black Friday". Zach Wendling at In the Agora writes on economic confusion about the benefits of Christmas spending. Mark at Stones Cry Out thinks we might However, I think it would be well for all of us,... [Read More]
Tracked on November 25, 2005 01:38 PM