War on Advent

Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord. (Psalm 107:43 NIV)

This is a very difficult time of year for those Christians who observe Advent.  It's hard eough that the world is already screaming "Merry Christmas" when Advent is not Christmas, nor is it suppposed to be merry.  The really hard part is the that the world is on fast forward - shop! party! bake! wrap! decorate! entertain! - but Advent calls us to slow down, pray, worship, study, ponder.

If we are honest with ourselves, we know what the better choice is, but come on... if we wait to do Christmas from December 24 through January 6 we will be partying those last six days by ourselves. The best we can do is to try to fit our Advent into the world's Christmas.  Choose a day... or two... to just do Advent.  No shopping, baking, parties, etc.  Wednesday would be good if your church does Wednesday Advent services.  Take the day to ponder, pray, worship, study and slow down from the madness out there.

War on Christmas?  No, I think the war is really on Advent, and Advent is losing.

Lord Jesus,
We know we have it all wrong, but we feel so powerless to stop it.  Thank you for loving us anyway and for knowing that we truly do love you.  Amen.