As I begin my journey through yet another season of Advent, O Lord, preparing myself for that coming day in which I will rejoice in the birth of the Christmas Child, the precious Prince of Peace, I find a world that is not at peace. How can this be so?
Your prophets of old boldly proclaimed His coming into the world; to show us the true light to follow. His words, his life, were there to lead us down new paths of love and compassionate life together. Yet the news of this day speaks of wars, terrorist acts, and persons driven to despair and hopelessness because of loss of jobs and lack of resources for food and bills. Once joyful hearts now feel despair. Lives once lived in happiness and hope, now are bend over with the heavy burden of not knowing whether tomorrow will provide food for life, or a roof for protection.
And so my journey this Advent beckons me to the vision of your broader plans, God; to prepare not only for Christmas Day, but to prepare my spirit and heart - and my daily life - for the larger celebration of Christ's return. An Advent preparation that requires of me much. A life lived always as a blessing to others. A life lived that always speaks the peace of the Prince of Peace. A life lived that always sees the stranger, the outcast, as my precious sister and brother.
My Advent journey. Celebrating the birth of Christ - of your presence here with us in this crazy world. Celebrating my own life, as a hallmark of the One who came among us so long ago, and who is yet to come among us still.
Amen.
Rev. Michael Kirchhoff
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