The holiday or Advent season can be somber for many, but we must recognize that fear and isolation are weapons Satan uses to try to destroy human community, and we must fight back! We cannot allow him to wipe out the hope and optimism left in our hearts.We can find strength from Isaiah 40:1-5 where he speaks of comfort not fear.There is peace in finality yet the journey can also be laden with love and comfort. We must not let our enemies control us nor tempt us into sin and negativity. This is the time to wash our hands clean of evil, narcissism, hypocrisy, and malice.
Advent literally means "arrival". The month is swiftly passing by and we need to take constant measures to enjoy the fruits of this beautiful season. We miss this essence if we do not become mindful of our hearts and the gift that is offered on December 25. Divinity is coming into our midst. It is not a coming of just the past, but a recurring possibility of a future of peace. Advent, according to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, might be compared to a prison cell "in which one waits and hopes and does various unessential things...but is completely dependant on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside." It is a fitting metaphor. But dependency does not release us from responsibility. If the essence of Advent is expectancy, it is also readiness for action: watchfulness for every opening, and willingness to risk everything for freedom and a new beginning.
I choose this new beginning. What do you choose?
Many blessings to you and your family this Advent season. Let us become humble enough to recognize the gift set before us.
