Pastor’s Message for December 2023

Blessed Advent, Friends!

The year has gone by too fast! It seems like just yesterday we were starting a new year together, and now we are in the midst of the Advent season. Where did the time go?

I share with many of you the desire to move on from whatever it is I’m doing and getting to the next thing. I don’t like waiting. Too often I skip to the end. I live my life with my finger on the fast forward button. Whatever it is I’m doing, it seems like I’m always looking to what’s next. When I do that, I often miss out on the blessings that God has for me in the current moment.

Too often I only see God’s activity in my life in the rearview mirror. But there’s a reason the current time is called the ‘present!’ It’s easy to say “Live each day like it’s a gift.” It’s much harder to take the time to be intentional about enjoying each moment. I find quiet moments awkward and try to fill them with noise. It’s hard for me to sit still and appreciate the silence.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

–Psalm 90:12

Perhaps that is why we have a season like Advent? Advent is a liturgical season of preparation for the coming of Christ which culminates at Christmas Day. Too often, Advent comes and goes and becomes a month-long celebration of Christmas. We light some candles and put up a tree and all too quickly move on to the holiday and beyond. Advent provides us with the kind of space meant for meaningful reflection. Rather than looking beyond the season to the excitement of Christmas Day, Advent is mean to be a deliberate month-long journey. Yes, we know the destination is exciting, but Advent is meant to provide us with the space to enjoy each day as a gift.

So my challenge this season, for you and for myself as well, is to take the time during this Advent to do as the Psalmist says, to allow God to teach us the blessing of the present.

God loves you, and so do I,
Pastor Jim