Joy

Dear Faith Family,
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I always need reminders of what Christmas is about. Apparently, I am a walking version of a “Charlie Brown Christmas”.

In the second week of Advent, the Gospel of Luke has no problem setting me straight. The author of the Gospel quotes the Old Testament Book of Isaiah and asks us to “prepare the way of the Lord”.

I feel like I write this often, but I feel like it’s a good reminder. When we experience all the good things during Christmas (family, gifts, Starbucks holiday line, etc.) it is to help us to truly prepare for our God coming again in glory. Joy might be the most appropriate response when we experience our loving God. We should prepare our souls to react in this way. 

Subconsciously, the idea of the new heaven and the new earth from can cause some apprehension. We’ve seen so many movies and heard many songs with themes of the end of the world. These things are meant to make us uneasy. The unknown can be terrifying. But to experience change with joy is truly how we are preparing during Advent. 

While we may not know details, or when it will happen, we do know for certain that Christ will come again to make all things new, because He loves us. 

During Christmas, we not only celebrate the Incarnation of our God (which bears extreme celebration), but we also prepare for our future celebration of the second coming of Christ. Sometimes I forget that this beautiful season is not just meant to celebrate the past, or to revel in the present joys in our lives, but this season also urges us to prepare ourselves for the joys of the future. 

So yeah, Advent and Christmas is a big deal. There is a reason why millions of us travel just to spend time with family for Christmas. And I would say that when we immerse ourselves in the joys of family and friends, that it is actual preparation for our Lord coming again. If we really focus on why we celebrate, it will equip us to celebrate His second coming. Jesus coming home to us, again. 

I know this week we aren’t wearing pink (I’m sorry, rose), but the joy of the season should be pursued throughout this time. Because of this, we are also responsible to help others that are struggling to experience this joy.

Let’s be disciples and make disciples with the joy of the Incarnation and the future joy of our Lord coming again.

Happy Advent,

Brett Becker
Youth and Young Adult Minister