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Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes in “Christmas Sermons”: “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.”

The first time I read this I thought how troubled Bonhoeffer must have been.  As I read it over and over, I realized that what he is saying is true.  The truth is, without Jesus Christ, we are all troubled, poor and imperfect whether we choose to recognize and admit it or not.

Most people and most Christians for that matter are self absorbed this time of year.  We don’t even wait until Thanksgiving to begin the Christmas Season.  Our minds are fully engaged in Christmas before the Thanksgiving leftovers are eaten.  We are too busy focusing on planning our Christmas celebrations to really stop and celebrate Advent.

In our haste to satisfy our desires and other’s desires for the perfect holiday, we can’t really be bothered with Advent.  Advent requires us to stop; to be still, to read, to pray, to meditate, and to listen for God’s voice.  Rather impossible to do with everything that must be done to celebrate Christmas “correctly.”

Those however who are troubled, who recognize themselves poor and imperfect are, as Bonhoeffer describes, available to celebrate Advent.  Their situation makes it difficult to celebrate as many think we should or need to.  As I read this I’m drawn to the Sermon on the Mount and the beatitude: “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”

I’m keenly aware this year as I speak with two close friends who have lost their wives to cancer – aware of just what Bonhoeffer is speaking of as they ponder their situation in life and look forward in hope for greater things to come.  On the one hand I hope we can celebrate Advent properly without being troubled in soul, but I also know how difficult it is for us to slow down on our own.

Prayer:  Father, help me to see just how poor I am without Jesus Christ in my life.  Help me to see just how hopeless I am without Jesus in my life.  You are my light and my salvation; help me to trust in You more and less in myself.  Help me to slow down, to be still and know that you are God and I am not.  Help me to look forward to something greater to come, greater than my eyes can see or my mind can imagine.  I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

God’s Blessings, Pastor Brett

Mike Bickle writes; “Within every human heart are deep cravings that cannot be ignored or denied – they must be satisfied.”

Each of these deep longings (desires) has been placed in us by our God, our creator.   One of those longings is relationship with Jesus Christ.  David expressed this desire in Psalm 82, verse 2: “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

Mankind’s longing to be with God began with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; they walked and talked with God.  I cannot imagine how they longed for that same relationship after being forced from the Garden and found they were separated from God.  I can only imagine how the disciples longed to have Jesus with them after He ascended into heaven as well.  That longing still exists in each of us; some recognize it and seek to fill it with a life lived in and for Christ, while others seek to fill that craving in different ways.

For Christians the Season of Advent is all about longing to be with Jesus; longing to celebrate His birth, longing for Jesus to be revealed to us through His Holy Spirit, and longing for Jesus to come to earth again.

While we should always be seeking God, there are special seasons when we are called to examine our lives and in this case how we are pursuing our desire to be with Jesus.  Advent, like Lent are two of those special seasons where we are called to seek God more deliberately.

I encourage you to read this blog, perhaps one by Rick Warren or another author, or pick one of the Gospels to read, contemplate, and then discuss your thoughts and questions with someone.  Ask God to reveal new opportunities to serve Him that will in turn draw you closer to Him.

Prayer:  Gracious God, help me to stop, to be still for 15 minutes each day during Advent.  During this time, reveal to me Your truth as I read Your Word and thoughts You inspire about it.  Open my heart to Your will for me in the coming year; ways in which you can draw me closer to You in serving others.  I long to be with You Lord Jesus, I long for You to be with all people on earth.  Come Lord Jesus, Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brett