He decided that he would never ignore Christmas again, and not just the date on the calendar.”
–C.J. Petit (The Second Star)
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
–Luke 2:7 (KJV)
————————————–
Christmas! a great time of the year. But why? Where is the focus? Is it on business as usual, or on the Christ-child? Is it on the hustle and bustle of the time, or is it on the birth of Jesus? Christmas is a wonderful time to sit down and look at priorities. It is a time to regather your focus on the important things of life, and nothing is more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ–the reason for the season.
I cannot remember the first time I heard the term “Advent.” It was not a term used in our little Assembly of God church; it seemed like it fit better into the more mainline, liturgical churches. Perhaps there was fear about using such a term, but we did celebrate “Advent.” There was always the Christmas story and the play with children acting out the nativity scenario.
Since that time I have no problem using the term, since I have come to know what it actually means. In fact, I enjoy liturgy and tradition and they can be a wonderful addition to teaching the truths of the Incarnation. However, there is also the danger that the liturgy and tradition become the focus of worship rather than the Jesus and the purpose of His birth. The same is true in a lesser sense with family. Most families have a certain “liturgy” they follow on Christmas and traditions. They can bring the family closer together and help them bond as a unit, but if not careful the traditions get in the way of the importance of the family.
It is up to each of us to keep proper focus. The liturgy can enhance the meaning of the season or we can become bored with the same old thing again. It should never get that way! Boredom has no place in Christmas! It is a time of excitement, of happiness and joy. A time of singing, laughter, and smiles. It should never become, “bah, humbug.” If we get to that point we need to get back to the manger and get a fresh renewal of the meaning of Christmas.
The same is true of families. Christmas is not just for children; it is for all of humankind. If not careful the wonderful family traditions can become boring as well. Here we go again, has no place in Christmas. I always look forward to the grand, whole picture of Christmas, then enjoy the wonderful details.
So what then is “Advent”? I like what James S. Stewart says regarding “Advent.” “It means the glory of the coming of the Lord. It means the breaking in of the divine into human history, of the supernatural into the natural. It means a sense of something great impending from the side of of heaven.” Seldom is heard in the churches the majestic carols that speak forth the truth of Advent. The meaning of “O Come, O Come, Immanuel!” is lost, unless, unless we strive to look at the wonder of the birth of Jesus and His purpose in coming as a baby to this earth. Stewart continues, “Be still, my soul; for God will surely come. That is Advent.”
“Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation;
Enter ev’ry trembling heart.”
–Charles Wesley
The purpose of Advent, that one time in history, that one moment in the universe when everything was right for the birth of Jesus then is to bring us to the Father through Him. Look at the purpose of the season: Hope, Peace, Love, Joy. Let this wonderful time of the year cause you to dwell upon the meaning, and upon the Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
————————————–
Christmas! a great time of the year. But why? Where is the focus? Is it on business as usual, or on the Christ-child? Is it on the hustle and bustle of the time, or is it on the birth of Jesus? Christmas is a wonderful time to sit down and look at priorities. It is a time to regather your focus on the important things of life, and nothing is more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ–the reason for the season.
I cannot remember the first time I heard the term “Advent.” It was not a term used in our little Assembly of God church; it seemed like it fit better into the more mainline, liturgical churches. Perhaps there was fear about using such a term, but we did celebrate “Advent.” There was always the Christmas story and the play with children acting out the nativity scenario.
Since that time I have no problem using the term, since I have come to know what it actually means. In fact, I enjoy liturgy and tradition and they can be a wonderful addition to teaching the truths of the Incarnation. However, there is also the danger that the liturgy and tradition become the focus of worship rather than the Jesus and the purpose of His birth. The same is true in a lesser sense with family. Most families have a certain “liturgy” they follow on Christmas and traditions. They can bring the family closer together and help them bond as a unit, but if not careful the traditions get in the way of the importance of the family.
It is up to each of us to keep proper focus. The liturgy can enhance the meaning of the season or we can become bored with the same old thing again. It should never get that way! Boredom has no place in Christmas! It is a time of excitement, of happiness and joy. A time of singing, laughter, and smiles. It should never become, “bah, humbug.” If we get to that point we need to get back to the manger and get a fresh renewal of the meaning of Christmas.
The same is true of families. Christmas is not just for children; it is for all of humankind. If not careful the wonderful family traditions can become boring as well. Here we go again, has no place in Christmas. I always look forward to the grand, whole picture of Christmas, then enjoy the wonderful details.
So what then is “Advent”? I like what James S. Stewart says regarding “Advent.” “It means the glory of the coming of the Lord. It means the breaking in of the divine into human history, of the supernatural into the natural. It means a sense of something great impending from the side of of heaven.” Seldom is heard in the churches the majestic carols that speak forth the truth of Advent. The meaning of “O Come, O Come, Immanuel!” is lost, unless, unless we strive to look at the wonder of the birth of Jesus and His purpose in coming as a baby to this earth. Stewart continues, “Be still, my soul; for God will surely come. That is Advent.”
“Jesus, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation;
Enter ev’ry trembling heart.”
–Charles Wesley
The purpose of Advent, that one time in history, that one moment in the universe when everything was right for the birth of Jesus then is to bring us to the Father through Him. Look at the purpose of the season: Hope, Peace, Love, Joy. Let this wonderful time of the year cause you to dwell upon the meaning, and upon the Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of the world.