Advent calls us to be countercultural. While the world rushes ahead to Christmas with its commercialism and consumerism, Advent invites us to slow down, wait, and prepare. It teaches us that true joy and peace are found, not in the season’s busyness, but in the quiet moments of reflection and deepening our relationship with God.
The spiritually sound thing the church can do is to reach out this Advent and Christmas to the lost, lonely, forgotten, abused and oppressed people with whom we live each and every day. The best greeting we can offer is to meet people where they are in life, not where we think they should be, and to offer a genuine greeting that reflects the living Christ in our lives. As we journey through Advent, our hearts are gradually transformed. The season’s emphasis on waiting, repentance, and hope leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace. We become more aware of the light dawning in our lives and the world, a light that no darkness can overcome. As we share our presence, we create space for justice against oppression and inequality.
We are reminded that God’s promises are true, that God is faithful, and that, even in the darkest times, God promises to flourish in our lives, bringing hope to the world.
Rev. Jann Osborn
12/1/2024
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