|
791 East Calaveras Street Altadena CA 91001 (626) 797-8970 (626) 797-4164 (FAX) |
|
Advent is our introduction to the Christmas season. During the first four Sundays of December, we try to look at the Birth of Jesus from different points of view. In this way, we try to increase our consciousness and depth of understanding about Christmas Truth.
Advertizers and retail stores start even earlier to put their spin on what Christmas is all about. "Christmas is giving," they say, which can be translated "Christmas is buying." The current weakness in the economy means that they will probably be competing even more aggressively for the gift-dollars we have to spend. They'll do this by raising the expectations of our children, telling them that they really have to have the latest electronic gadget. Modern kids are not likely to say "All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth."
Quietly but forcefully, we will try to impress on each other the true meaning of Christmas, that it is God's Gift to us that matters, not our gifts to one another. We will do this with these weekly emphases:
As Old Testament believers longed for Jesus' birth as the fulfilment of their faith, we too long for the renewal of our spiritual lives through remembrance of that day. Some of us will ask Jesus to be born in us through faith.
Not everyone was excited when Jesus was born; most people went about their daily business, the innkeeper rented out all his rooms, leaving only a manger for Jesus' crib. We should not be surprised that most people around us don't share our faith.
King Herod was afraid he would lose his throne. The shepherds were afraid when they first saw the angels. People today are afraid to face the truth about Jesus, because they know this will change their lives. That's why they try to bury the Baby under the commercial Christmas.
Joy was experienced by the shepherds when they got past the fear. This is always the way. Those who do not shrink from their initial fear--that God himself has come in the flesh--, experience inexpressible joy in hearing the Christmas Message again.
So, make sure you attend worship services throughout the four Sundays of Advent. You'll need all these helpful reminders to keep your focus on Christmas Truth, with all the noisy holiday static around you.
-Pastor George Van Alstine