“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end.” Isaiah 9:6-7
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store up treasures in Heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matt. 6:19-20
“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Matt. 24:35
What does it look like to keep Jesus authentically at the heart of this Advent season?
As I have transitioned into adulthood, I have found myself thinking a lot about what traditions and practices (Christmas and otherwise) that I would like to keep, alter, or let go from my life. My parents did a wonderful job of teaching my sisters and I about the coming of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas beyond gifts and Santa Claus. As a child, I held my little arms up as long as I could as an angel in the Nativity story at church (while my sisters crawled on the floor as sheep). As a teenager and college student, I loved playing Christmas music at church. Of course, we also decorated cookies, exchanged gifts, hung lights, etc. As my husband and I have left our childhood homes, gained more responsibilities and navigated the struggles of early adulthood, I have to be honest and say that the season has felt less joyous and more routine. When I reflected on last December, I saw several obligations and self-imposed busyness instead of a meaningful, celebratory Advent season. We have tried to fit “it” all in and as a result, the wonder and hope that I used to feel was diluted. Maybe you too have experienced this. Maybe you also feel overstimulated, worn down or even melancholy around this time of year. Maybe you would just like to keep striving for more authenticity. So, as November rolled around this year, I asked myself, “How can I be more intentional with our time, money, and attention?” For me, that looks like sitting with my planner and asking myself what needs to stay and what needs to go. It looks like putting down my phone when the Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping starts to get overwhelming. Opting for the easier Christmas lights or making intentional cards for loved ones. Not trying to do all of the things and taking time to enjoy God’s presence. Inspired by the Vessel, we chose to incorporate Advent candles and Scripture reading as a new tradition. And it is not all about what we do, but the heart and mindset behind it.
Fuller, yet more simplified. Deeply meaningful instead of distracting. A time of rest and renewal instead of exhaustion.
There are hundreds of man-made traditions, objects and activities that are not inherently evil and can add joy to the season. But we only have so many hours in the day. The presence of Jesus is the most authentic thing we will ever experience. “He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” When He stepped onto the scene, He gave us a chance to know HIM, the Creator of the Universe! And a chance to climb out of the darkness of sin and shame, into the light. This is something to be celebrated all year, but especially during Advent.
Consider…
This advent season, what traditions and activities are essential for you and your family to experience hope and joy in Christ? What is not essential?
What does authenticity mean to you?
