So it’s the start of advent, what does that mean in the
21st Century?
The hectic countdown to Christmas?
Stressful days shopping?, buying presents?, focussing on loved ones? preparing for Family events?, writing
Christmas cards? writing letters to Santa? lighting the advent candle? opening the advent calendar?
Yes all of that, but I suggest more importantly its time to find time for God in advent.
To prepare our hearts for the coming of God.
It is the start of the life of Jesus, and as we all continue along our journeys of life, like Christ, I urge you all to find time for God, as we prepare to celebrate literally; the birth of our salvation, in advent time.
May Gods love and blessing remain with us all,
Phill
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2 comments:
Hi mate, not to ruin your cristmas, but jesus was born in the summer time, and christmas was a every year celebration of the Vikings (before christianity knew of christmas). yeah i think its ok to think about god since its tradition, im not a beliver of god. but i do agree with the fact that the church thought of it as a good idea to use this old celebration to honor the birth of Jesus, i go to church because of tradition in the month of December, not because of my religion (im an Atheist)
Thank you for your comments (m.b.andersen). You are right in saying that Jesus wasn't born on December 25th, this is widely acknowledging by most theologians. A far more likely date for the birth of Jesus is Spring time. And yes, it is true that there were pagan celebrations that took place on December 25th, which Christians took over to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christians believe that Jesus is the 'Light of the World', and so there is a lot of symbolism and significance that comes from celebrate the light of God coming into the world in one of the coldest and darkest months of the year. (Of course, if you celebrate Christmas in New Zealand or Australia you're celebrating in the middle of summer!)
The actual date of the birth of Christ for me is not that important, what IS important, is that Christ came into the world, to reveal God's love to us all. And for me this is the most wonderful thing in the world to celebrate, God isn't distant or remote, but chose to come to this world as one of us. That is what makes Christmas worth celebrating!
Simon (Vicar of St Martin's)
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