Thinning Christmas

It might be a thin Christmas. Besides the economic talk, or diet talk, I’m thinking of decorations. This year we have a single outdoor sign instead of lights lining the driveway, and I decided against setting up our battalion of nutcrackers, and left a good portion of ornaments in the box. Maybe it’s because we won’t be hosting any parties, maybe it is the need to conserve, or maybe it’s because (dunh-dunh-dunh) we’re getting a tad older. Last Sunday as we started Advent at early service we thinned out some of the steps of bringing in the colors and symbols of the season. We usually have a nice procession of bringing in wreaths, poinsettias, colors, and other elements all the while having a running narration explaining their significance as an aide in worship. It’s helpful, it’s rich in tradition, and it’s a way to let more people participate in the announcement of the season. But at early service we started the service with the colors already in place, and we all entered into the Sanctuary at one time singing “Maranatha” and each one lighting a small candle from the Advent candle. We watched stars and planets bring the text to life. It was a lot of changes, but for me it felt like the beginning of Advent instead of the beginning of Christmas. Some people stayed for the beginning of the second service so that they could still experience our traditional entry into Advent. It was a full day of getting our hearts and minds prepared for Advent.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are prepared to wait for the world to join you in anticipation of the Messiah. This is the time of year that we try to remember the call for patience and reflection when everything else around us encourages us to rush and think later. Let us fall into step with you, pausing as you pause, slowing down our heart beats to match your calm. You are full of assurance and determination, and yet you wait. There is a beauty in the suspension of activity. Let us reflect the single flame of this Advent day in everything we do. Amen.