Encounter: Read Luke 2:1-3 - The Advent story begins with an aerial shot of Rome, where Caesar has enacted new legislation that impacts everyone living under his rule. What does it look like to hold onto hope in our present-day power structures when it can feel like we have so little power over the situations of our lives? Now read Romans 8:18-25. What is God drawing us to be aware of in the midst of our “groans” in this life.
My Dad was a wonderful man. He provided well for his family, built a thriving hardware business and loved us, even in our teenage rebellious years:). But there was one thing I knew about Dad that I can say resolutely is true. When he would go on a road trip it was all about the destination. To get from point A to point B was the goal with as few stops as possible. Mom still talks about hours of driving past exit ramps that would have taken them to experience the wonder and awe of mountains, deserts and valleys of beauty with the occasional trinket shop. There were “mile-markers of meaning” that would have deepened the experience of their journey if he would have only stopped awhile and noticed. Mom was hoping for more.
What I’m not so sure of is what kept Dad from exploring off the confines of the highway. Was it the fear they would get lost (no cell phone maps app). Did he think it was a waste of time or maybe he assumed there wasn’t anything worth looking at. Maybe he just preferred playing it safe. I do believe my Dad leaned towards the familiar. It felt safe and gave him a sense of control, to my Mom’s chagrin. After a trip out west of two weeks in the car, she told Dad, never again. If we aren’t going to stop and see the sights along the way then there’s no good reason to drive. At some point it appeared Dad lost his wonder for what he had not seen. He no longer was hoping or longing for more. Like his favorite recliner, it was more comfortable that way.
I wonder if at times the Christmas season can become a bit like Dad’s road trips. Our daily pace becomes more urgent with so many “things” to get done before the 25th. We just need to get from point A to point B. In a time when we can feel out of control of so many things, it may seem more safe to do what is familiar or comfortable. We may dismiss trying something new, like starting a new tradition in the family that focuses more on those in need than buying each other stuff that ends up in the summer yard sale. Or inviting a neighbor or co-worker to Advent worship services, Christmas Eve or sharing the message of Jesus. How about following a longing to make a change that will lead to bringing more justice and healing to our community or somewhere in the world. How about becoming dis-satisfied with something you know is not right, true or good and acting in hope to see it transformed.
Following our longings will make a difference in our life. It is one way we can hear God’s heartbeat within our own when those longings are aligned with the Jesus Way. This advent, I invite you to savor the journey. Try learning to live an unhurried lifestyle so you can notice the Spirit’s leading. To stay present to the people around you and to be aware of a beautiful yet suffering world in need of a Savior. For…I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us. The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters. This will take us deeper and closer to the Presence of hope, peace, joy and love born yet again among us and within us. Since that first journey to Bethlehem, we are now never alone.
I believe God is pleased when we long for more. It means we’re not satisfied with playing it safe and we admit we have a false sense of control. It means we’re choosing courage over comfort but even more importantly, it means we take this unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters seriously. Hope is the place of longing to see our Savior quiet the groanings of this world with the hope that is within us.
If God can use a Roman census to fulfill His promises, just think what He can do through you.
Christ in you, the HOPE of glory,
Pastor T
Reflect:
Hope can be defined as wanting something to happen or to be true, and having a good reason to think that it might. On the Way to Bethlehem invites us to know more about the places of significance in the faith story (Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Persia) so that we can also be more aware of the significance of our own stops along life’s journey. On this first week of Advent, we ask ourselves whether we are placing our hope in the empires of the world, or in the liberating that comes through God Presence in Christ.
Spiritual Practice: A Daily Journal for this Advent Series is available in print on Sunday & also through a link in Eden Weekly
Making space for reflection and journaling is the invitation for this journey to Bethlehem. As we approach the manger once more, we come with more wonder, appreciation and awe at the beautiful reality that we are never alone-whatever the journey holds.
Savor this journey, taking time to really notice the people, places, and discoveries you encounter along the way. Close your journaling time with this prayer:
A Prayer for the Week Ahead:
Holy and Living God, we pray for the renewal of our world
Too often, we let fear or complacency prevent us from
Calling out the injustices of our time.
Give us courage for action, even in the midst of our longing.
Call us to a “census of hope.”
Call us to our sense
So that we may see, hear, know
The power of the presence with us, Emmanuel.
We pray this in the name of your Son,
Jesus, the Christ, the Hope of Our Lives. Amen
Gather:
What am I longing for deep in my spirit. Share this with your small group asking for prayer to discern if God is inviting you to act with hope. As a group go to the Giving Tree and take a tag to give hope to someone this Christmas through a simple gift of love and care.
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