Don't Let Christmas Come Too Early
A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord.”Isaiah 40:3
My son wants it to be Christmas right now. Actually, he was already asking for it to be Christmas in July. “Get the tree down.” “Put it here.” Of course, for him that means presents, too. But I think he just enjoys the feeling of the Christmas season.
It’s cliche to say, but it seems like Christmas comes earlier every year. Even if Christmas music doesn’t start until after Thanksgiving and stores don’t start putting out Christmas decorations until November 1st, people are already posting about Christmas on Facebook in August. Only 120 days until Christmas!
Don’t let Christmas come too early! The season in the church year that comes before Christmas is called Advent. Advent comes from the Latin word for “arrival” or “coming.” It’s during the season of Advent that we prepare for our Savior’s arrival.
Do you know the feeling of being unprepared? An unexpected guest rings your doorbell. A teacher gives a pop quiz. Calamity or crisis strikes and catches you unaware. It’s not a good feeling.
Advent prepares us for Christmas. During this season, we reflect on the prophecies God made about his Messiah. He tells us who to look for. Not a king carried on a royal litter. Not a flashy entertainer. Not a rich businessman. No, but a baby laid in a manger. A man crucified as a criminal. A Savior from our sins.
During this season, we reflect on why Jesus had to come. Indeed, he came to save us from this wretched world of woe. Indeed, he came to save us from pain and sadness. Indeed, he came to save us from injustice and oppression. But he also came to save us from ourselves. From our sins, our faults, our mistakes, our defects. He is born to die.
Perhaps that’s too somber for the Christmas season. But it’s the whole reason for the season. Though death brings sadness, in Jesus’ death we find gladness. In Jesus’ death, we find life.
Don’t let Christmas come too early. Prepare yourself for his coming in Bethlehem. Be prepared for his coming again.