Today’s Readings: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Isaiah 64:1-9; Mark 13:24-37; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
As we head into this Christmas season, many Americans have been seduced by the notion that if only they get that perfect Christmas gift, all of their problems will be solved. “If I can get that trip to Hawaii…”, “If only I can get that flat screen television set…”, “If only I can get the latest Blackberry...” The lists go on and on. The long Christmas wish list that many of us carry with us only reinforces the notion that it is absolutely impossible to feel content with what we currently have. Just as we are about to succumb to this notion, along comes Paul’s words to us today from his first letter to the Corinthians that blow that sense of longing right out of the water. In the letter, Paul writes: “… you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale” (1 Corinthians 1:7 from The Message). What a great message for us to hear on this first Sunday of Advent! Today, as you officially start your journey toward Christmas, take time to be thankful – not for what you hope to receive in 26 days, but for what you’ve got today! Til next time…
As we head into this Christmas season, many Americans have been seduced by the notion that if only they get that perfect Christmas gift, all of their problems will be solved. “If I can get that trip to Hawaii…”, “If only I can get that flat screen television set…”, “If only I can get the latest Blackberry...” The lists go on and on. The long Christmas wish list that many of us carry with us only reinforces the notion that it is absolutely impossible to feel content with what we currently have. Just as we are about to succumb to this notion, along comes Paul’s words to us today from his first letter to the Corinthians that blow that sense of longing right out of the water. In the letter, Paul writes: “… you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale” (1 Corinthians 1:7 from The Message). What a great message for us to hear on this first Sunday of Advent! Today, as you officially start your journey toward Christmas, take time to be thankful – not for what you hope to receive in 26 days, but for what you’ve got today! Til next time…
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