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Advent and Christmas are upon us already and we are all getting ready. Which of course is what Advent is all about. The question though is what are we getting ready for? Is it about a big family dinner with lots of lights and presents? It is of course and that kind of a celebration is important as a part of our faith because it is part of learning to love others as we desire to be loved. It can be a difficult time for many people though. It is way too easy to read things into the things people say and the gifts we receive. And this is just as true of other's experience of us as it is of our own personal experience. Because of the minefields that are naturally present in personal relationships and communication our experience of Christmas can often become a disaster. Hurt feelings and strained relationships are ever so much more likely to occur when we have high expectations. How can we find that place where we are able to enjoy the season and really experience not only the people around us but the God who is behind all that happens in this season? The best way to understand this is to ask ourselves
what kind of expectations God has of this Christmas - Advent season?
If it is so easy for us to be hurt during this season what of God?
Scripture tells us that Jesus is a perfect reflection of God. So
when Jesus stands outside erusalem and weeps because the people
have refused to relate to him in a meaningful way we can safely
say that our actions can hurt God. God' love and grace are beyond
bounds though unlike our own so even though God might be grief stricken
by our actions God does not internalize the feelings an pull away.
Of all people Jonah expresses this best when he says; "I
know that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and
abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing."
(Jonah 4:2) Being able to understand our thoughts and emotions
God is also able to be gracious. So the first thing we need to add
to our emotional survival kit this season is grace. If we can only
remember to be and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in
steadfast love, in other words forgiving and filled with grace
maybe we can let some of the hurts slide off and remain in the moment
and enjoy. The second tool we find in that same passage is
steadfast love. The Hebrew word he is hesed |
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The
other critical thing we need to examine is God's primary purpose behind
Christmas. This purpose is revealed in the in the words of God's angel
sent to Joseph; "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife,
for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear
a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people
from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what had been
spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which
means, "God is with us." The purpose is a relationship.
God wishes to be with us! Just as before the holidays we wish to be
with those we love. It is the confused reality of that relationship
and our expectations that get in the way when we finally come together.
Trust me it is the same with God. God's desire is to love and guide
us, dwelling in our hearts as a positive presence enable by the power
of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Because this is the primary God's purpose in Christmas,
I ask two things, first take time to nurture your relationship with
Christ this Christmas. After all Jesus is the reason for the season.
Come to church and attend the social gatherings of the Body of Christ
like the potluck and carol sing on the 13th. and on a more personal
level when you are with your family and friends remember Emmanuel.
We may not be able to let the hurts and disappointments slide off
and get on with the party but God can. And that is the power behind
Jesus birth, the coming of Emmanuel, Have a blessed and happy Christmas Pastor Jim Bliss | ||
