“Does anyone know what Christmas is all about?” asks Charlie Brown, in the beloved holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Year after year, I find myself drawn back to Charlie’s simple question. Amidst the rush of shopping, decorating, baking, planning and preparing (both at home and at the church), it’s all too easy, even as a pastor, to lose sight of what Christmas is all about. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, leaving little room to slow down and reflect.
It’s why I need the season of Advent. Because even I need to slow down. I need to wait. And I need to prepare.
That’s what Advent is all about!
The season of Advent is dedicated to anticipating the arrival (or advent) of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and King. But it’s also a season of looking ahead to the work that God is still doing in our world. In Advent we are invited to reflect on what it means that Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago, in a stable, surrounded by only his parents and later the shepherds. It’s a chance to consider again the gifts Jesus’ arrival offers us, gifts that our world still desperately need.
The gift of hope that reminds us that God isn’t finished yet; God is still at work in this world.
The gift of peace because we so desperately need God’s peace in the midst of all we fear. The gift of peace is our reminder that Christ, the Prince of Peace is coming
The gift of joy because all the good news and great joy of this season is our reminder of the many sources of joy in our lives.
And the gift of love reminds us that from the very beginning, God has surrounded us with love, a love which not only weaves deeper connections between neighbors, but a love that shapes our actions and allows us to see God more clearly.
“Does anyone know what Christmas is all about?” asks Charlie Brown. Linus responds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord…that’s what Christmas is all about.”
As we enter this season of Advent, may we take a moment to pause and to remember what it’s all about.
I hope you’ll join us as we make room to receive the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ—and to experience the depth of the hope, peace, joy, and love that he offers to us.
See you in worship!
Grace and peace,
Kimmy
Comments