Black Friday is not the beginning of Advent

 Contrary to public opinion, online sales, and the multi-billion dollar retail industry, advent is not a countdown to the best present ever.  The hype cannot possibly deliver what is promised or hoped for or bought on credit.  The season is marked by giant inflatable gnomes, snowmen, and glitter.  I noted the large selection of advent calendars this year, from beer to My Little Pony.

Hope is not wishful thinking, looking for Santa or the perfectly wrapped present.  Hope is not "maybe this will make me happy." And realizing that is not it.

Advent is a looking toward something very different, both a preparation not of presents but of a celebration of the gift that already has been delivered -- and not from Amazon, but announced in a barren field to shepherds.  Not with glitter but with the biggest light show ever in the skies.

Jesus has come.

And hope in Jesus -- and why He came -- is that on which we can stake our lives.  His light does not blink on and off, or stored in the attic for yet another year.  "I am the light of the world."  (John 8.12)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1. 5)

At the end of the day, at the end of the season, we are not left with empty boxes and restless hearts.  But ultimately, an empty tomb.  That kind of hope.  He has come not to give presents we will outgrow or will become obsolete, but He has come for us.

The message of Christmas is not just love in a warm and fuzzy non-returnable sense.  But knowing God loves us so much that He sent His Son.  

Each day comes with that reality.  Not a wishfulness or fading promise.  But Himself.  "I am with you."

Far beyond December.

God knows exactly what we desperately need deep inside.  He does not need a list.  He knows we need Jesus. That is the gospel.

And so, how do we approach this advent season differently to live out this incredible truth, to give out grace, even how we decorate our homes, what we do, what we don't do, navigating Christmas with His steadfast love that endures forever?  

Guide our thoughts, O Lord,

Order our hearts.