Staying Awake This Christmas Season
Nativity scene photo by Philippa Lowe; Christmas tree photo in background by Kieran White / Unsplash
Advent is when we prepare for the birth of Jesus, our savior and redeemer. Strangely enough, the Gospel lesson for the first Sunday in Advent, Mark 13:24-37, is not part of Jesus' birth story; instead, it comes just before Jesus is arrested, convicted, and hung on the cross. The passage is a warning of what is to come and that there will be suffering.
Jesus reminds us that we will not know when these things will happen. Even Jesus does not know the day or time when these things will happen. However, Jesus tells us to be alert, stay awake, and not fall asleep.
I wonder if we have taken for granted our faith and, in so doing, have lost hope that God will fulfill promises. We go through the motions; we sing the same songs, light the Advent candles, put up our trees and managers, and share gifts. Unfortunately, we are so busy that our relationship with Jesus is put on hold for many of us during Advent and Christmas.
Unfortunately, the very symbols that help us remember God's actions 2,000 years ago have been taken over by the world. The symbols of our faith call us to pay attention to God's love for us through the babe in the manger. We are no longer aware or awake to God's hope and grace because we fail to embrace the Christian symbols that remind us of God's hope.
Many of us will have Christmas trees in our homes this Christmas season and see them on display in most churches. But when we look at the Christmas trees, what do we see? When we look at the Christmas tree, are we reminded of God's love for all humankind? Do we remember that Christmas trees are traditionally evergreen, meaning they stay green all year and remind us of God’s ever-present love in our lives? Do we remember that the cross Jesus was hung on came from a tree?
When we see Christmas trees this Advent and Christmas season, may they remind us of God's love that came down at Christmas.
Many of us will have manger scenes in our homes and church. When we see manger scenes, what do we see? Do we see God willing to come as a babe in a manger? Do we see the babe in the manger, our savior? Do we see God with us? Like Mary, do we ponder all God is doing in our lives?
When we see managers this Advent and Christmas season, may they remind us of God's love that came down at Christmas.
Under many Christmas trees, there will be presents. When you see presents, what do you see? Do you remember the greatest gift of all God's son given to the world? Do we not forget that the gift was great because God was present in our lives? Do we remember that the gift was freely given because God loves us?
When we see presents this Advent and Christmas season, may they remind us of God's love that came down at Christmas.
This Advent and Christmas Season, let us be present, awake, and aware of the gift of the babe in the manger through our prayers, songs, and symbols. May the symbols help us open our lives to receive God's love so we might reclaim the hope of Jesus.