Heard this recently:
Two men who were next-door neighbors decided to go sailing while their wives went Christmas shopping. While they were out in the boat, a terrible storm arose. The sea became very choppy and they had a difficult time keeping the boat under control. As they steered toward land, they hit a sandbar and the boat grounded. They both jumped out of the boat and began to push and shove with all their might to get the boat back into the water. As the waves bounced him against the side of the boat, and his hair was blowing wildly in the wind, one of the men said with a smile on his face, “It sure beats Christmas shopping, doesn’t it?”
The season of Advent can sometimes be very hectic. There are gifts to buy, meals to prepare, parties to attend, greeting cards to address – it can often seem overwhelming.
The church too often travels down this path as well, only adding to the frustration. There are Sunday School parties, children’s events, special music programs, etc.
Anyone want to go sailing?
We are supposed to be waiting in anticipation for the Advent (coming) of Almighty God.
We are gathering to celebrate messiah’s birth. Why do we have to make everything so hectic?
During Lent, a common practice is to engage in a fast. We engage in some sacrifice and take up some discipline in order to prepare ourselves to remember the events of Holy Week and the death of Jesus. Maybe we need an Advent fast.
Maybe we should not try to go everywhere and do everything.
Maybe we should give gift cards instead of actual gifts. My kids love that because I always buy the wrong thing.
Maybe we should eat more simple meals. Why must we gorge ourselves as a celebration of the birth of Jesus in a manger?
Let’s slow down and do less. Maybe even our churches can say, “No additional programs on the agenda this Advent!”
What would be wrong with that?
