People who wait expectantly ask, “What should we do?” Since my children are married with families of their own, I have fallen into the habit of preparing for Christmas very early. By the end of November, the goal is for completion of decorating and purchasing the gifts. This opens time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to truly spend anyway I please, instead of hours on the Internet perusing gifts! There are still Christmas dinners to plan, cookies to make, and sleepovers to have as we settle in for the long winter’s cold snap. However, I wonder: Is there more that we should do to prepare for the coming of Jesus in our historic time?
In the season of pandemic, the sorrow of another school shooting, and economic recovery, the question begs to be asked, “How are we, how are you, how am I, leaving expectant time, space, energy, and love to be open for whatever God desires to gift us with during this season of Advent and Christ’s birthing? It is easy to become overwhelmed with busyness. Our fears, hopes, and dreams can often stagnant as we grow restless in our waiting upon the promises of God. So what are we to do?
The Scripture
This very question, “What should we do?” was asked of John the Baptist as he called folks to repentance and anticipation of Christ’s coming. John’s ethical exhortation of Luke 3:7-15 sets the scene for Jesus’ ensuing ministry. The text is found here for your pray-filled reading. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+3%3A7-15+&version=NRSV
Through John’s preaching we discover that a certain type of interior posture is needed to approach God. That heart posture is one of repentance and openness to God’s new possibilities. For John, repentance is expressed in action. When “the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Tax Collectors asked John what they should do. John replied, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” And when the Soldiers asked John the same question, John replied, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” Repentance is much more than the mental prayer of sorry. Repentance is a call and commitment to action.
Today’s Prayer Practice
Today we are to consider our preparations for Christmas.
- What is the ethical dimension and implication of your preparations for Jesus’ new birthing? How does what you do to prepare for Christmas impact the lives of others who may have great need, broken dreams, or weighty fears? The ways in which we live our faith has profound influence upon how culture is hearing and responding to the Gospel.
- God is preparing to approach us through the annual celebration of Christmas. How will you be ready to receive God?
Today’s prayer is an Examen. There are five stages for your reflection.
- As you center yourself in prayer, how do you offer thanksgiving and deep gratitude for all that God has done for you this day?
- As you Examen your Christmas preparations, how have you noticed God in your Christmas preparations?
- When have you been unaware of God’s presence in your Christmas preparations?
- After your time of discerning the response to the above questions, ask yourself what will you do differently this week in preparing for Christmas to notice even more of God’s presence throughout your days?
- When you have completed your Examen, offer humble thanks to God for the revelation of God’s Word to you as you move deeper and become even more intentional in preparing for the Messiah’s new birth.
Enjoy praying. Advent blessings to you.
Brenda
