Reason for the Season - November 29

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 1, 2, 3; PM Psalm 4, 7; Amos 2:6-16; 2 Pet. 1:1-11; Matt. 21:1-11

“His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” – 2 Peter 1:3

It’s that time of year that I worry more about gifts than usual.   My mode switches to focusing on how do I show my children, friends, and family love on Christmas. A conversation has been had more than once recently about the need to go ahead and ‘figure out Christmas’ before we are impacted by supply chains and inventory issues, things that have nothing to do with God’s promise of love through Jesus Christ.   Even clergy get Christmas confused sometimes.

Yesterday was the beginning of Advent and today our daily lectionary cycle begins new.  We start over with the Book of Psalms and our readings take a shift as well.  We are officially in the Christmas preparation stage of the year, known to us as Advent.  As we read the Scriptures this morning, 2 Peter jumps out as an interesting text to begin this season of Advent with, a reminder that by ‘[God’s] divine power, [he] has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

It might be helpful for us all as we enter this season to remember that this season isn’t about what we can do for others (although that is always a helpful. and important ethic to consider) but instead what God has already done, and will reveal more fully on Christmas, for each of us.   Blessings this holy season of Advent, and may your time be less filled with the fraught of what you must get done, and more time spent on what God has already done for each of you. May that be what shapes our generosity and vision for the season.

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What role does the season of Advent play in your life?  How do you prepare for Christmas?  What role do gifts play in your own sharing of Christmas?

Daily Challenge:  Pick one way you plan on living into the season of Advent differently this year.  Write it down or share it with someone to hold you accountable.