Every one of us might answer the question “What are we waiting for” differently at first. But with a pause for reflection we can probably all quote a long time favorite movie of mine Miss Congeniality, a comedy that revolves around a beauty pageant. Deep down we really all do want “World Peace” as unrealistic as it seems today. The universal heart cry for world peace is where Christmas comes in! This season of the Church calendar is called Advent or “Coming.” At some level everyone is waiting for peace on earth. There are many ways people attempt to find it, but Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
As we approach Christmas my prayer is that we de-stress about attempting to please others agendas, and attempt to focus on who were are with and why they are important. My family has gone through many iterations of de-materializing and refocusing.
We have tried years of no gifts at all, and have had years with an abundance of gifts from generations of family and everything in between. As we accept each other, wherever we are in life – geographically (together physically or not) spiritually, financially, intellectually, professionally… – we relax and remember why we celebrate. Jesus, God incarnate, came to seek and save us, the lost.
Peace seems best found, so far, in just being together. Food is probably the other constant=}.
A challenge I make to myself that I hope you will consider too: Whatever your traditions, take some time each day to pray for peace. First, in our own hearts, then in our family, town…. Jesus did come to bring peace, but remember too that he promised things will get worse before they get better. (Matthew 10) So seek His calming presence in the midst of the preparations. Don’t lower expectations for joy, but consider shifting them from the material to inviting the presence of the Prince of Peace into the celebration. Celebrate how Jesus came to seek and save the lost, first as a helpless baby that we remember on December 25th, then by defeating Satan with His death and resurrection. Only God….
