All Earth is hopeful Matthew 11:2-11
Yesterday we listened to Mary's song (The Magnificat) in which she thanks God for being chosen to give birth to the Messiah. We talked about her pregnancy in terms of it being a "before" and time of "expecting." The question we asked ourselves is how are we going to handle our spiritual lives before the Nativity, before the Christ child arrives. We are surrounded by reasons to, once again, overlook the actual moment of God breaking into our lives on Christmas Eve. What can we do in the midst of our preparations for Christmas, in the time before Christmas Eve/Day so we're not so distracted, so anxious or too exhausted to make room for the arrival of Jesus. Here are some suggestions:
- Attend this Wednesday's Advent service from 6:30-7:00. A quiet half hour to step out of our world and into a world of candlelight and quiet.
- Buy one less gift and replace it with an expression of love like a hug, an "I love you" or a simple invitation for a cup of coffee.
- While driving to the store for gifts or food, or to a party, use the drive time to pray, to reflect, to give thanks.
- Boycott the news for a day or two to remind ourselves that "He rules the world, with truth and grace ..."
- Give up the goal of perfection and any power you give to that evil illusion.
- Smile. Smile a lot. Especially when you don't feel like it.