This Time of the Year

Always at this time of the year, I find myself both looking forward to and dreading Christmas.

I look forward to the music, to the lights and decorations. They remind me of angelic hosts announcing good news that God enters fully into human experience. I delight in the extra generosity that encourages us to look out for others especially at this time of the year. I am grateful for the parties and those who go to the trouble to host them and for the family gatherings that renew those precious ties to one another. I enjoy the pleasure some of my friends receive from having a different Christmas outfit to wear for every day of the season.

I dread the pressure to buy and struggle with the growth of crushing credit card debt that comes with undisciplined spending. Although I have much fondness for Saint Nicolas, that master of secret gift-giving, I dread the decorations and music that indicate that Santa Claus plays the all-knowing God and is himself the center of the season. I resent messages and advertising that turn this time into “What do I get?” instead of “What can I give?” all of which adds to the growing problem of entitled children and youth who see the act of giving as a one way street.

Most of all, I dislike the pressure to be happy, when in reality, this time leading to Christmas is tinged with sadness. The biblical story of the incarnation—the act of the divine taking on human form—is, from the beginning, full of sorrow.  Mary, mother of Jesus, knows that someday a sword will pierce her heart.

Is that any different from what any mother should expect? Our own childbearing, while overflowing with joy, also must be tempered with sorrow.  Children will and do break out hearts.  Sometimes we face our worst nightmare—seeing our children pass from this life before we ourselves do.  Perhaps there is some grace in knowing that this sorrow is shared by the one known as the Mother of God.

Just a few words here, both for me and for those who might want to look more closely at what we do and why we do it.

Advent, the time before the actual celebration of Christmas, is the time to ask this question, “Does the world need a Savior?”

So, as we decorate our houses and work places and do the shopping and bake delectable items and prepare for family and friends, we might take a few minutes to ask these questions:

• How can I prepare my soul for the entrance of the Savior?
• How can I most honor God with all my activities and preparations for this season?
• Will I actually honor God by regular attendance at worship, along with times of prayer and acts of charity, or will I use the busyness and expense of the season as an excuse to opt out?
• What will those around me learn from my behavior and use of financial resources of my love for God and my preparation for the Savior?
•  In what ways is the world alienated from God?
• Who do I know that is suffering?
• In what ways may I graciously offer the possibility of peace and good will to them?
• In what ways can I help children and youth move from getting to giving during this time?
• What would I most hope to experience during this time of preparation?
• What could I do that would make those hopes a reality for myself and for someone else?

These questions are simply a way to move thoughtfully into this season.  And, for all who are going to brave the crowds and wade courageously into the shopping frenzy known as Black Friday:  Be Careful Out There!