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 Holiday Worship Guide:
Through stained glass: Advent awakenings
By Pastor Adam Quine
First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln
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[December 20, 2014]
Though
Advent (literally “arrival”) has been observed for centuries as a
time to contemplate Christ’s birth, most people today acknowledge it
only with a blank look. For the vast majority of us, December flies
by in a flurry of activities, and what is called “the holiday
season” turns out to be the most stressful time of the year.
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 This time of the year can also be a time of contrasting emotions.
We are eager, yet frazzled; sentimental, yet indifferent. One minute
we glow at the thought of getting together with our family and
friends; the next we feel utterly alone. Our hope is mingled with
dread our anticipation with despair. Even we who do not experience
such tensions—who genuinely look forward to the Christmas season—at
times, might miss the point. Content with candles and carols and
good food, we bask in the warmth of familiar traditions in
reciprocated acts of kindness, and in feelings of general goodwill.
While this in itself is not bad, it would do us well to stop amidst
the hurriedness of the season and to ponder the unwelcoming
realities of Christ’s first coming: the dank stable, the cold night,
the closed door of the inn.
Won’t this get in the way of the holly and jolly-ness of the spirit
of the season?
Not at all. Rather, to ask these questions will only help us further
enter into the essence of Christmas as we become mindful of how God
became flesh in the infant Jesus.
Furthermore, once we take the time to be still and listen for the
silence of the Advent season, we will sense that Advent marks
something momentous: God’s coming into our midst!
 With new eyes we will recognize God’s coming isn’t a one-time event.
Rather, it is a recurring possibility here and now. And thus Advent
is not merely a commemorative event or an anniversary, but rather a
yearly opportunity for us to consider the future, the second
Advent—the promised coming of God’s reign on earth.
So from November 30th to that silent night of December 24th, make
space to wait with Mary and Joseph. Find ways to get excited about
the great expectation that the Advent season offers. Participate
within the birth of God’s love by offering your presence instead of
presents to those in your lives. More importantly, embody the same
care and attentiveness God has, is doing, and will continue to do,
by putting on skin and living among us—the greatest indication of
love.
This holiday season give the gift of heartfelt attention to children
in orphanages or hospitals, foster homes, or on your own street.
Show them your undivided attention by reading to them, engaging in a
fun art project or playing games.
Love those in your life the way God loved us in Christ Jesus,
Emmanuel—God with us: selflessly.
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Friends, we are called in Advent not only to wait but to “bring forth the
Savior,” to become more and more sensitive to the morning dew and to open our
souls to the rain so that our inner self can bring forth the Love of God.
May your Advent be filled with peace, hope, joy, and most especially, Love.
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