Today is the third Sunday in Advent. I love cable TV especially when I am more housebound than up and around. I can get 3-5 different Sunday services via TV. I always used to wonder if it was the same or not, then I realized that even the word church is all meaning. Anyplace you practice your faith is fine. God isn't fussy.
As I sit here trying to get ready for Christmas without feeling like I am shorting anyone and yet trying to make sure everything gets done, today's thoughts ran to what does God want really want us to do to get ready for Christmas?
The season of Advent is all about the waiting and preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. In addition though we are reminded that Advent is more than that. It is in God's Word as we meet him on the road of life day to day. He is in the middle of us wherever there are 2 or 3 who gather in His name.
But wait - I said I watched today's service alone on cable. I was not gathered with anyone. Does that mean I did not really participate? No, it doesn't. God is everywhere. He lives in my house, and most importantly, in my heart.
But you know, there’s waiting and then there is waiting. How are you waiting? Are you hanging around and wasting time? That is one way of waiting and one way at this time of year which seems nice and peaceful. Or are we waiting by looking forward, anticipating, yearning for the coming of God’s justice and God’s peace - are we ready for Christ as he comes? That's much harder to remember in the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas.
So how do we include both the hustle and bustle of the preparation with God's coming? We learn to live well while we wait, and live with joy while we wait and always include God in any plan.
Can you tell today's sermon affected me?
A Friend's Greeting
I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me;
I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be;
I'd like to mean as much to you each minute of the day
As you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way.
I'd like to do the big things and the splendid things for you,
To brush the gray from out your skies and leave them only blue;
I'd like to say the kindly things that I so oft have heard,
And feel that I could rouse your soul the way that mine you've stirred.
I'd like to give you back the joy that you have given me,
Yet that were wishing you a need I hope will never be;
I'd like to make you feel as rich as I, who travel on
Undaunted in the darkest hours with you to lean upon.
I'm wishing at this Christmas time that I could but repay
A portion of the gladness that you've strewn along my way;
And could I have one wish this year, this only would it be;
I'd like to be the sort of friend that you have been to me.
By Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959)
