Advent

 Christmas is now very close and we start to notice that we can become lost in the preparations. Not least are the proximate preparations of buying presents, attending parties, and finding a car park in trips to the shops. Yet this is also set against the backdrop of the restrictions which disrupted Christmas past that we become wary of what Christmas present might look like let alone Christmas future. It is easy to notice the places where this Christmas may look somewhat different. The need to be aware of health restrictions when crossing state borders or even venturing further afield. The relief of being able to associate more freely when hearing in the background the concerns that we may be plunged back into lockdowns. There can be a feeling of our beliefs being shaken by events that seem out of our control.

Jesus warns his disciples that it is easy to become caught up in a diet of confusion about natural and human disasters. How we can live a lifestyle that throws caution to the wind and says we only live once! The ability to focus just on ourselves and discover ways to numb the pain by shutting this bad news out. Yet we are called to be people who do not ignore reality or succumb to our own fears. We need to find a person who will guide us and whom we can trust.

As Paul encourages the Thessalonians so he encourages us by witnessing to that person by living lives that embody love and generosity. The call to integrity and generosity proclaims to the world that each person is called to wholeness and holiness. This Christmas we can start by looking at how our giving can bring joy not only to ourselves but to the world. How do we live in a way which is kind to others and helps us to become stewards of God's creation? What words of encouragement need to be heard at this time? What is the greatest gift that we can give to God by the way we live our lives?