Advent marks the beginning of the new Christian year. Despite the way we act right after Thanksgiving, if not sooner, Advent is not a season for pomp or decoration, but for simplicity. Advent, historically, has been to Christmas what Lent is to Easter: a season of solemn simplicity.
A season of simplicity isn’t the message we get from the world. The world has taken the celebration of the Christ cild and turned it into the largest consumer holiday of the year. Americans will spend billions of dollars on gifts, food, travel, and decorations this Christmas! The message of the consumer has become how much are you spending on me. The sad part of the whole thing is that researchers have found that a high percentage of the billions spent on all those gifts don’t bring about any real satisfaction. In fact, many aren’t even wanted and are thrown away or given to someone else- regifting- who know who you are!
As we move through this crazy holiday season, Christ calls us to a simpler time. A time of reflection and preparation for the ultimate gift that is on it’s way and the ultimate purpose of that gift that we celebrate at Easter. Like Lent, Advent remains a time for getting back to the basics.
I challenge of you to take a step back this year and focus on what the gift of Christ truly means to you. Then focus on ways that you can show that love to someone else! The message of God’s love is the true meaning of Christmas and you need to share that message with someone this season- who will it be?
Merry Christmas
Pastor Lance
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