Sunday, December 07, 2014

Second Sunday of Advent: Uncomplicate Christmas

Decking the halls. Dashing through snow. Making wish lists too long to check once, much less twice. When did Christmas get so complicated? Maybe it’s time to rethink the way we celebrate and focus on others. To simplify and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.
Shopping has become the centerpiece of our holiday celebrations. Even if we observe the Advent and Christmas season by attending services, lighting Advent wreaths, decorating our homes, enjoying holiday concerts, baking goods, somehow shopping elbows its way into our celebrations. The United Methodist Church's campaign Rethink Church invites us to step back from all the busy activity to engage in reflection and prayer.
Perhaps you were not aware that the church has a season dedicated to waiting? It’s a small distinction, the difference between Advent and Christmas, but it’s an important one. It's no surprise though that right after Thanksgiving we want to ask, "When can we sing Christmas songs?" But the question we must ask is: Are you ready to receive the one and only that God is sending our way? Are you ready to make room for Christ, even when he comes in the form of a homeless child, a teenager in recovery, and an older adult who's more confused than he is "with it"?”
 

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