Today marks the first Sunday of Advent. It comes from an ancient Latin word adventus, which means coming. Advent – a four-week season leading up to Christmas – is an invitation to all of us to look back at God coming to us in Jesus to reconcile humanity and all of creation to Himself (as well as his second coming).
Here are the words from an angel God sent to the lowly shepherds who were looking after their sheep, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10). Just imagine the impact of sin upon humanity and creation is so catastrophic that nothing less than a cosmic rescue operation involving God taking on flesh – entering the everyday mess and sin of life – would be adequate.
As his followers, we are called to join in His reconciling work by intentionally engaging the people we are in relationship with in our frontlines. In what ways can we make a difference during this season?
For a start, it bears repeating that while Christmas is a time of great joy for many, it is also a time of acute pain and loneliness for others, battling with grief from the loss of loved ones, estranged relationships within their family or mental health issues. It was Mother Theresa who said, “Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty”.
Is there someone you know in your frontlines who is struggling in some way? Perhaps prayerfully consider reaching out to them by ringing or emailing them, asking them out for a drink, lunch or dinner, befriending them and taking a genuine interest in them and their story?
How about buying a special Christmas gift card for those who are doing it tough financially? Or get a stack of Christmas cards and write a note of encouragement and gratitude to your work colleagues, telling them what you appreciate about them? Lastly and most importantly, how about considering setting aside time every day until Christmas Eve, to fast and pray for them during the Advent season?
The last suggestion might seem odd but did you know the earliest references to Advent – which can be dated back to the 4th & 5th centuries – had little to do with Christmas? It was a season of preparation for new Christians to publicly declare their faith through baptism on January 6 (The Feast of Epiphany). Christians would prepare for this celebration by spending 40 days in prayer, penance and fasting to prepare for this celebration!
Advent need not be a mundane, ‘same old, same old’, busy and stressful season, racing from one thing to another. Let’s make time to pause and welcome Jesus by being present to him and his still small voice. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps 16:11).
This is a much better and much needed alternative, I would suggest, to the excesses and commercialism so typical of this time of the year.
Christ in us, the hope of glory!
Mark Ng
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