CHICAGO, IL (December 16, 2003) – Covenant Communications has posted several Advent devotionals from church newsletters and emails recently. This one is from pastor Mark Pattie of Covenant Congregational Church in North Easton, Massachusetts.
One of the messages frequently heard as we approach Christmas is that the season has become so commercialized that we have lost sight of what it is really about.
While the complaints are undoubtedly true, they get tiresome. Somehow, they sound like whining, which is something that rarely accomplishes anything. It is almost always the practice of those who prefer to avoid action rather than take responsibility for what they can do.
The challenge for those of us who want to follow Christ in the materialistic world is not, first of all, how to convince others to pay attention to what really matters. The real challenge is for us to somehow figure out how to do so ourselves. It is tragic that much of the world is not focused on worshiping Christ at Christmas. It is worse than tragic that so many of us who call ourselves his followers are not focused on him either.
It is always a tremendous challenge to be faithful to Christ and his values. Ironically, it is sometimes even more difficult at this time of the year. How can we possibly celebrate Christmas in a way that puts Christ and his concerns first when the expectations of those around us demand that we do likewise? How can we take time to look to Jesus and listen for his call upon our lives when our schedules barely leave time for us to sleep?
The answers (to those questions) are not simple. It is clear, however, that they have little to do with what others ought to be doing. The number one thing that our world needs is not for everyone else to look to Christ and listen to his call, although we pray that will happen. What our world needs, and we need ourselves, is for us to do so.
It might be that the first purchase most of us ought to make this Christmas season is a mirror. If our world is to be transformed, our own lives are a great place to start. The first step toward peace on earth comes not in exerting our power and influence on others, but in opening ourselves to the power and influence of Christ’s spirit. As we do, we can trust that, moment by moment, action by action, word by word, that the same spirit will accomplish his good purpose through us in the lives of others.
Whatever else we may focus our time and energy on this Christmas, may this be the gift we seek: Christ born anew in us and through us in the world. Let us seek Christ, the gift of whom and angels sang, the One who brings peace on earth and goodwill to all.
To read devotionals posted earlier, visit the following:
- The Return of the King
- He Will Stand By You
- Candles Remind Us of Christ’s Light
- Keeping Our Hearts Focused on God
- The Pre-Christmas Present
- Waiting God’s Way
- Prepare to Meet Your God
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