Advent: Reminder of possibilities
The autumn season is my favorite of the year for the weather change because the southern United States gets hot. There is a freshness I feel that re-energizes me. When we “fall back” in time and I get to reunite with my one hour, I am giddy. I wait for the first cold front to wear boots and a turtleneck sweater. Oh, and when the season changes there is egg nog on the shelves at Braum’s.
Then comes December, the time of year when generally speaking, the world believes. Person of faith or not, believer in Christmas or not, the holidays tend to bring out the best in most people. There is a belief in miracles and an awareness of the plights of others that seems lacking throughout the rest of the year. It is a time of hope, where people believe in the wonder of possibilities.
For us, the disciples and sons, we know this time as the Advent. I ignore the annual arguments. My faith is not in a tree; I put up a tree because it’s our family tradition and I have a thing for lights. My faith is not tied to December 25; I am aware this is not when Jesus was born and of the history. My faith is not rooted in commercialism, though I continue the yearlong practice of giving gifts to loved ones and others. I hope this is the same for you; that this year of all years, you choose to major on what is major and that is that we can find the presence of Christ everywhere we look!
I like to call Advent season “WILD CARD SEASON” because it is not a season exclusive to believers. Advent is for everyone. This is the beginning of the Gospel, that God himself chose us and came to earth in human form. God was born as a baby, the Christ child we call Jesus — for he would save his people from their sins. He comes as Immanuel, God with us. His path to earth called for some tough choices from his parents, Mary his mother and Joseph his earthly father. The circumstances around his birth add to the wonder of the season. Imagine having to move to your family’s hometown during tax season. Yikes. Yet God moved the world, to get this little family-to-be in position to fulfill the Scripture.
Great things come out of the Nazareths of the world. Advent reminds us of this and many more lessons. So this year, believe and encourage belief. We all need it. See possibilities even in the challenges. Let the freshness of hope and healing wash over our grieving hearts. May the Lord cause us to see him in truth, and turn our hearts fully to him. (deep breath goes here). AMEN.
Dr. Shaunta Scroggins is the founder of The Bereans’ Commentary.
One Comment on “Advent: Reminder of possibilities”
Leave a Reply
Blogs I Follow
The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 
Reblogged this on Nelson MCBS // Love Alone.