Friend,
The stores, streaming services, and radios have pronounced that it is officially the Christmas season.
And, admittedly, you’re not entirely thrilled about it. There are, however, a few things that you are looking forward to:
Listening to your favorite Christmas album.
Driving around and seeing the lights.
Indulging in a cheesy, Christmas movie (or twelve).
But this Christmas season will never be what it should be in your mind. Somewhere, there’s a sense of loss for you. Maybe,
A family member who won’t return your calls.
A tradition that can’t continue.
A death that changes everything.
Internally, you find yourself oscillating between wanting to sing “Joy to the World” and feeling the urge to shout “Bah, humbug.” And you wish everybody knew whether you were ready to smile brightly or break down into tears.
And that is precisely why the church has Advent.
Advent is the holy recognition that life is BOTH: darkness and light, sadness and joy, waiting and arrival. We remember that it is in the darkest season that light shines the brightest. It’s an anchor of hope that darkness won’t have the final word; light will.
In this messy world, I encourage you to embrace Advent. Recognize the darkness, but actively look for the light of hope, love, joy, and peace.
And I encourage you to wait with hope for the light of the world: Jesus. He is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
Love,
Aaron
Thank you, Aaron. I need the Advent focus of hope!
Each year around this time, Thanksgiving just behind us and missing our loved ones around the
Table is hard enough. Then remembering these dates in December, 10th, 14th and 25th of my mother, daddy and sister Christmas night, their passing’s with all the memories, puts me in a fragile hold of sadness. I just struggle, yet know they’re with Jesus rejoicing, even as I know and proclaim, Joy to the World, they are missed.
Charlene