First Sunday of Advent

"It's the Final Countdown!" … of sorts. As we were reminded today, we enter Advent not to prepare for the coming of Christ as an event that has already passed, but in looking towards the end of time when He will establish His perfect kingdom. I suppose that it's because Advent is in preparation of a great event that I enjoy it so much. 

In high school, I was one of the people who always helped to build the floats and set up for the dances. I was not on student council (I couldn't get elected), but I had a blast setting up and they were always desperate for help. Planning, designing, and watching it all come together was often more fun than the event itself. Part of it might be the anticipation; part of it was just the joy in watching something mundane (like a float bed or a school cafeteria) turn into something more imaginative.

Advent gives us the chance to decorate our homes and our souls in preparation for Christ. As we break out the boxes of Christmas decorations, we should also take the time to pull out some of the kinder parts of ourselves that we may have boxed and hidden during this difficult year. As we brighten our homes with holiday lights, so to should we light up the lives of those around us with our presence (pun intended) this season.