“Hope Finds Its Meaning in Home”
We have entered the Advent/Christmas season. In so many ways life will be different for awhile. The natural scene will change to holiday decorations, music, and activities that lead us to Christmas Day. In so many ways we will be different. True, the more we let ourselves get trapped in the trappings we can become a little less than we want to be, but generally we feel more generous during this time. We have a need to act more gracious and be a little more “good.” Even if life is harder for us we don’t want that to dominate us during this time that celebrates the rightness of life.
Why are we different at this time of year? I think it has to do with hope. Something inside of us responds to this season because we know that life and future are more than we are settling for. We are reminded of that which is not right because it is measured against a child who was born because God so loved the world and us. We are reminded of the injustices and the insecurities we have created because these are measured against the kind of world that is intended: “glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace…” (Luke 2:14). We are reminded that God is with us. Christ did come and say, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (John 14:18).
We prepare for Christmas as if it were the first Christmas ever. But this is not our first Christmas. We use this time to remember. It is a time of ritual to celebrate our heritage of faith. Many people who do not attend church regularly will go during Christmas time to acknowledge that God is present in their lives. It is a time of faith-formation. We tell the story of Jesus to our children and grandchildren because we believe it is vital to their lives. Adults use this time to review their own faith journey.
Christmas is about home. Often we sing those songs that remind us of our earthly homes. Nostalgia is very real and so is homesickness for those away from family. I am thinking of home as being that eternal dimension that means residing with our God, not just later, but even now. Christ came, after all, to prepare us and lead us home. Home is where the heart of God is. Home is knowing that you belong; knowing that you are of great worth; knowing that you are safe. Hope finds its meaning in home.
Enjoy making your physical preparations for this season -- they are important. Also, plan to make spiritual preparations. It is through worship that we position ourselves to be receptive to the invitation of home. The story of Jesus is an old story, but it is always fresh with hope.
Current Conditions:
REFLECTIONS
