Occupy Advent

In much the same way “gate” became the shorthand for anything dishonorable with suspicions of cover-ups from the Watergate scandal, now “occupy” is the shorthand for anything resembling a common man taking personal, visible action to reject unjust policies. There is no manual to follow, no union to mediate, and no financier to contribute. It’s acting on a primitive, urgent level whose restitution is doing the next, right thing.

I was so excited by a thought this morning that came as a revelation.
Occupy Advent. It’s timely. It’s cool. It’s a clever play on words. More than that it’s meaningful! It’s.. it’s already on Google?!?! http://occupyadvent.blogspot.com/ But I can’t be disappointed that I wasn’t the first to coin the idea. They are using their time, energy and imagination to evoke a change, and I have to say, it’s everything I hoped it could be.

What would Occupy Advent look like? Tents set up around a living manger scene? Protest signs at retail stores? Stripping the house of lights and presents? What other visible displays could show our disregard for the status quo and our hope with the coming Christ?

Could it be letting others see you in daily reflection, seeking silence as an honored companion, giving gifts of joyfulness and good will, setting aside impatience in favor of patient waiting, or nurturing wonder rather than shackling its wildness?

What is the next, right thing to do? Occupy Advent