Advent Reflection: Day 23

Monday, December 20

Psalm 113; Genesis 25: 9–28 Colossians 1:15–20

I love the Christmas season—the music, the decorations, the movies, the baking. Throughout the nearly two-year long pandemic I have read a number of accounts of people celebrating “Christmas in April” or “Christmas in June” just to add some joy to their lives during these trying times. I even read a post on social media about a husband who surprised his wife last August with a decorated Christmas tree and carols blasting when she came home from a hard first week in the classroom. There is something about these tangible aspects of Christmas that tends to lift our spirits. It is an enjoyable season, despite the hustle and bustle it sometimes brings. It is a gift to celebrate even in the midst of hardships in our community and world because we are celebrating God with us.

As I read through the verses offered for today, I am reminded about the beauty of what we as Christians can make our focus during the Advent season. Psalm 133 reflects on who God is and what God does. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the troubles of this world, but we are reminded that God looks down on us and does not forget our needs.

“Who is like the Lord our God, the one enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and earth. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.” (Psalm 113:5-7, NIV)

This love for humanity is seen in the Christmas story, as God sent his son in the form of a baby to live and grow up among us, to experience our hardships, even death, and to teach us how to live.

Colossians 1:19-20 proclaims, “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (NIV)

The birth of Jesus is what we celebrate with carols, ornaments, and pageants during this season. But it is the hope and the truth of reconciliation through Jesus that gives us the true lasting joy that as Christians we can celebrate throughout the year.

Because of his birth we have the hope of peace only God can give, no matter our circumstances. So even in February or July, if you need to be uplifted, bake yourself some Christmas cookies and sing out “Joy to the World, the Lord is come!”

Michelle Moser
Visiting Instructor, Department of Communication Studies