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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Advent All Year Long
By webmaster @ 7:00 AM :: 656 Views :: 1 Comments :: Dr. Michael Brown

For a moment just now, the world stands still because of the Birth of a Baby in a manger over two thousand years ago. Life is friendlier and more festive. Lights shine. Music plays. Smiles are brighter and more frequent. Church pews are crowded. Children are more excited. Adults are kinder. Life takes a bit of a respite from some of its harsher ways.

To be sure, war, poverty, anger, greed, hatred, self-absorption, and fear still exist. But somehow in December, alongside all that, a deeper sense of hope exists as well. Those who are too cynical to believe in a Prince of Peace the rest of the year sign cards in December that say, "Peace on earth, good will to all." As I said, so much of what we resign ourselves to eleven months a year stands still in December.

As we sat in the beautiful Christmas musical event at church last Sunday afternoon, Page whispered: "This must be what Heaven sounds like." I suspect she's right. It is probably what Heaven feels like, too – kind of like endless December.

And all this new spirit, this warmth and depth and tenderness, is not by accident. The increased appetite to live charitably or altruistically or spiritually is not some whimsical urge linked to winter solstice. It is, instead, the direct result of the Birth of Bethlehem's Child. Even those who do not believe in Him as Messiah cannot deny that He has had and continues to have a transforming influence in the whole world. Things become a bit more heavenly when we think of Him and celebrate the season of His Birth.

So, I am committed to savoring the season while it's here. It will pass all too soon. But perhaps if I focus more intently on its beauties and the genesis of them, I can carry a bit of December with me into March, July, and October. And wouldn't the world be a lovelier place if we all did that, even just a little?

The Birth of Christ has given us a sacred season that offers a glimpse of what the world could and should be like all year long. I'm so thankful for December. And this year, I am exceedingly thankful for experiencing it with you.

Comments

By gadnynj @ Thursday, January 14, 2010 1:44 PM

Pastor, I celebrate Christmas every day of the year, and often will say that, or post it on the internet. That the Federal Government recognizes the King of Kings is a testament to the reality that Christ lives, in our lives and in the Holy Spirit. All the decorations are for a season, but for many who have experiences the power; God's presense, and the scriptures that tells us the stories of hope, forgiveness, and charity; it's what I live for. I'm so happy that the country I live in is of a foundation, that the Dutch Reform and now the Reform Church of America toil to achieve; that is the perfect life with Christ.

For me, the Holidays is for celebrating, with family and friends, all the good things that life with Christ provides, in the United States. In a time like now, a year into our new presidency, and when Haiti has suffered a blow I urge all Christians to make an effort and support the Church in its efforts to restore those simple blessings that Haitians normally simply live with. Today, all the Haitians suffer, yet it is reported, that everywhere one goes there is singing and praying. Imagine; singing and praying and wailing; that is what heaven sounds like, and surrounding our Lord; praising.

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