Advent Being Present
PB (Prayer Blogger) here with some thoughts/questions - this month about Advent, the little things and the big things.
Advent and the Gift of Being Present
We are only two days away from Christmas Eve, and three days from our celebration of the birth of Jesus. This has been a time of waiting and preparation. During Advent we have worshipped using a theme of being present through Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Light. Are you present? Are you prepared?
"The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
If Bonhoeffer is correct, then are we admitting to being troubled, poor and imperfect if we celebrate Advent? Or, is Advent open to all?
Do you agree with what Bonhoeffer said? Maybe you are or are not troubled? Many contemporary world issues trouble me. Are you imperfect? I am. What about “poor?” Not the poor, but poor. I feel rich, not necessarily financially, but spiritually, communally, just blessed! How about you? (care to comment below?)
Looking at it another way – did we use Advent as a time to prepare not just ourselves, but our family, friends, community? Have we been present for others, bringing hope and peace through our relationships?
This Advent hymn is familiar, but what thoughts does it generate for you today?
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Given what has been going on in the Middle East, do these words mean anything different to you? What are you praying for?
(I would love some comments below!!)
Little things
What are the little things that symbolize Christmas for you? Is it a Christmas tree, an ornament? Is it a gift? For those who grew up somewhere outside of Southern California, maybe it’s snow? Or, a warm fireplace, crackling in the corner? Is it the hustle and bustle of the season? For some of us that may be a big thing, or it may be a negative. Is it the anxiety of not being able to do enough, or afford the gift you want to give?
Do you pray for the little things? What do you say to God? Maybe some of these are big things for you? Pray for inner peace.
Big things
For many the gathering of family is a big thing this time of year. For others, family gatherings might be something you want to avoid. In either instance, what would your prayer be about this? For some it might be a special gift like the release of a loved one held hostage. Pray for relationships.
What about those who have no family, no church, or are in a trench somewhere fighting a war? What do they celebrate? What is your prayer about this? Pray for peace.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services in churches around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus. We sing, we pray, we shake hands or hug one another. We share LOVE because we are celebrating the greatest gift of all – the gift of Jesus. Now that’s a BIG thing!
Praise God!!
Praying for you,
PB
Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502