First Sunday in Advent - 2018

Emmanual, Come. 

Advent - a word that means 'coming'. In the historic church year, it referred to the four weeks before Christmas, the four weeks of preparation and expectation before Christmas. The four Sundays prior to Christmas. That was Advent. 

But the world seems to have moved past this - Advent has become a box of chocolates, with 24 little boxes to pop open. This time of the year has become synonymous with consumerism. Gifts and decorations, bigger and more glitz. And yet, we are becoming more and more broken. Drug overdoses, addictions plentiful, suicides, sky-high divorces (of marriages that maybe should not have happened to begin with), people seeking connection but so lost in the world, thinking their smartphones are going to work a miracle, and instead, they contribute to our addictions. People don't need God anymore because they've created their own. And we can see how that's working for them.

So, if I were to put on my imagination hat, how could I spend the next four weeks preparing? and for what? Answer: A new year. "On the verge of living my best life." Could that be the mantra for these four weeks? And what would be my best life? What would that look like? And what can I do for these four weeks to prepare for that?

I would need to do something with my health. So much can get wrapped up in that! From cleaning out the old food (and a good fridge/freezer clean), to cleaning my environment - make space for something new. Can't do that if the space is cluttered with old stuff! And maybe I can prepare for something more active by going for a little walk every day. Gotta start somewhere!

I would need to do something about my mental state of mind. With the recent conflict with my brother, it became evident that it is time for some more deep emotional work. And maybe this time can be used for a form of preparation - maybe writing about what led to this point, maybe seeking out options for help, maybe some reading if I could find appropriate material.

There are other things that come to mind, but not appropriate for sharing here. The thing is that there are four weeks for preparation. Over centuries, this time has been put aside to prepare for Christ's coming, for his incarnation into this world. This world needs healing; and if His incarnation can heal, maybe those who believe can do some of the work. And there is a multitude of ways that can be done - giving and doing, living and loving. They say that you should live your life by 3 priorities - God first, Others second, and Yourself last. But sometimes I think we can honour God and Others by putting ourselves first - being healthy, being prepared for new things, being a good example, and living by values that benefit others as much or more than yourself. You're no good to anyone unless you're good for yourself.

Emmanuel - Come, let's prepare for what is around the corner!