Prepare

Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. – 1 Peter 1:13

When I brought home the Advent Box prepared by Easter’s Family Ministry Team, my kids exploded with excitement, ready to yank everything out of the box and do it all right now. But then they noticed there was no chocolate in the box. Their experience with an Advent calendar has come mostly in the shape of a Christmas countdown that has a little chocolate treat behind each day on the Christmas calendar. Doesn’t Advent mean chocolate?

I realized how little we’d done in our home to talk about the meaning of Advent. We have occasionally lit candles on an Advent wreath. We talk about what Christmas really means and why it’s important to prepare our homes and our hearts. But even a pastor’s kids just want to get to the presents. For all of us, this Advent Box came at exactly the right time. I needed a way to prepare my heart for Advent just as much as they would.

Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas. Advent is a season all its own, a time of waiting and watching, a time of introspection and service, a time to reorient and prepare ourselves. Unlike Lent, which focuses on penitence, Advent centers on hope. Advent recognizes the long, dark nights through which we wait and reminds us that something is coming.

Christmas preparations can be so overwhelming. I don’t want to add one more thing to your list. And yet, this is the very beginning of Advent. This is the time to consider how you want to mark your days in this holy time and watch for God’s action among us.

I know you’ll find what’s best for you and your family, but here are some ideas:

·      Make sure you’ve turned in your Statement Of Intent for our fall appeal (easter.org/annualappeal). Start the Advent season with a financial commitment to the mission of the church. Our giving reflects our faith beyond numerous competing financial demands at this time of year.

·      Get started on an Advent devotional . This year, we’re suggesting the ELCA World Hunger Advent Study which you can find online or here at the church. You can also use our weekly devotions or Grow Guide which will all focus on Advent themes.

·      Find a way to give your time. At this time of year, you have so many demands on your time. Consider helping serve at Loaves and Fishes (sign up at easter.org/localpartnerships) to remember that your time can also glorify God and serve your neighbor.

·      Set aside space for reflection. Lately, I’ve loved an app called “Pray As You Go” (pray-as-you-go.org) for the way it helps me stop, listen, and hear where God is active in my life.

Whether it’s an Advent Box, a volunteer opportunity, or some quiet time at the end of the day, I know you’ll find a way to let Advent guide you into reflection, patience, and hope.

Let us pray:

In Advent hope, we wait for you, God. Keep our hearts and minds open for your teaching. Keep us ready and alert to see where you send us. Keep us centered in you that there would be peace in your Son’s name. Amen.