Inspired through advent and Christmas

I tend to like well-written summary statements that, although short, pack a lot of meaning. And I've been thinking about such a statement on the meaning of Christmas and this advent season. However, after spending some weeks thinking on the topic and reading scripture, I'm realizing that this season just can't be easily defined by one sentence.

Advent is a time both for thinking about the birth of Jesus and for thinking about his second coming. Here are the points that have struck me the greatest these past several weeks as I have reflected on different readings from the Bible:

-Christmas brings us Jesus, God in personal human form. While certainly there is a "Holy otherness" to God, Christmas reminds me of the surprisingly personal nature of God.

-Christmas reminds me that Jesus' life, from birth to death, was countercultural. Different from the secular culture in which he lived...."the greatest should be like the yougest," "the one who rules like the one who serves." His life was also counter to what the religious culture expected.

-Christmas reminds me that truth is real and that truth matters. And it also reminds me that truth is less about outward appearances and more about the heart.

-Christmas reminds me to live intentionally. I need to use my gifts and talents wisely.

-Christmas reminds me of hope. Even amid blatant wrong, a future hope is certain.

personal
countercultural
truth-grounded
intentional
hopeful

These are the faith-characteristics I am reminded of, challenged with, and inspired by this advent season.

Advent

Advent begins tomorrow, historically also marking the beginning of the Christian calendar year.

Although the Church remembered Christ's birth and life in the weeks preceding Christmas early-on, Pope Gregory the Great (540-604) is often recognized as formally instituting advent. A former monk and ascetic, he influenced the direction of the Church in significant ways during a time when it was wrestling with how to remain an influence in society without becoming indistinguishably part of it.

So, why does my family practice advent?

• It reminds us that Christmas is more significant than the cultural hype surrounding it.
• It provides a richness and context to the season as we read verses from the Bible in preparation for Christmas.
• It connects us with a centuries-old Christian tradition that many before us have practiced.

This time of year, there are some decisions that don't matter much: will it be a fake tree or real? PS3 or X Box? Ipod or Zune? Wii? Turkey or ham?

The decision, however, to make this season more than just about presents and santa does matter. So, what is Christmas about? My personal challenge is, over these next four weeks, to reflect on that question.

It seems there are few things that could matter more.