Does it sometimes feel that, by the time Christmas arrives, we’re ready for it to be over? We’ve attended so many parties, eaten so much, and drunk so much, we’re exhausted and ready to take a nap? Does it feel as if we’ve short-changed Christmas, and maybe Jesus, by celebrating too much and too soon?
If so, here’s something to consider.
Last Sunday, December 1st, was the start of the holy season of Advent. ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin adventus (‘coming; arrival’). It is a time specifically set aside for expectantly waiting and preparing for both celebrating Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem and his eventual return in glory at the end of time, (the Second Coming.)
No one knows for sure when Advent began, though it was certainly in existence by 480 AD. By contrast Lent, the period of preparing for Easter, was being practiced from at least 339 AD, which makes Advent a relative newcomer. Unlike today’s weeks-long party, Advent was originally much more like Lent. It was marked by fasting and deprivation of various kinds. The celebrating was reserved for the Twelve Days of Christmas, December 25-January 5, which Christians have been celebrating since 567 AD.
This year, let’s try drawing on the wisdom of the ancient church. Fasting may not be appropriate for us, but maybe we can tone down the pre-Christmas celebrating. Eating fewer sweets. Drinking less. Leaving the parties a little earlier. Spending more time in Bible study and prayer. Getting plenty of sleep.
That way, when December 25th arrives, we’ll be ready to celebrate instead of being exhausted. We’ll be ready to turn our hearts and minds to a time of joyful celebration rather than being anxious to get it over with.
However you celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas, I hope that when it arrives you will find yourself marveling that Jesus would become human and live with us, while joyfully looking forward to his glorious return.
May Advent be a time of joyful (if restrained) preparation for us all. Pastor ken.