Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have laid hold of it, but one thing I have laid hold of: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Philippians 3: 13
Are you ready for Christmas? Commonly asked question this time of year, isn’t it?
It usually means, have you bought presents, is your house decorated, are groceries purchased, plans made!?! Whew! By the time we actually get to Christmas Eve service w,e may feel not only exhausted but maybe also a bit defeated. “Did I do enough this year,” we might ask. “Does what I have done measure up to previous years”.
Not for everyone, but for many of us this season is fraught. There are so many demands that the actual Spiritual “reason for the season” is lamentably lost!
Paul’s words in Philippians 3 may help to refocus us for a more Spirit-filled Christmas. Paul shares that he does not feel that he has gotten it all “right”. He is not, spiritually, fully mature. He has not reached the goal. But Paul does not want to get stuck there. He brings himself (and us) back to a realization of the goal: Life in Christ. And, rather than dwelling on what has not yet been accomplished, he looks to where he is in the moment and how he is pressing on toward the goal of life in, with, and for Jesus.
Imagine living Advent this way. Not becoming overwhelmed with what has or has not been accomplished, but eyes and heart and Spirit fully focused on receiving the fullness of God’s gift to us in the birth of Jesus- God with us! Could we get to that blessed holy night of Jesus birth in a place of peace and quieted Spirit? Could we let go of what we think must be done, and move instead into what we are to receive- the fullness of God’s love. Would it make a difference? How might we experience Advent differently if we refocused our goals?
Loving God, set my heart and mind on what is truly life giving, that in this holy season I might come to know you and serve you more fully and joyfully. Amen.
The Rev. Ghislaine Cotnoir is Director of Pastoral Care at The Hearth at Drexel and Artman.
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