Monday's thought on Sunday's sermon

"What Do You Want From Christmas?"
Sunday, November 28Th is the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is the four week preparation the church promotes as we move toward Christmas. The word advent means "coming to". We are ad venting ourselves toward the birth of the Christ Child and Christmas.

What are you expecting? What are we waiting for?

This is an important question because throughout history the birth of the Christ Child was not a fulfillment for many who were looking for the messiah to come and save them. If we read through Hebrew scripture we notice that the messiah predicted and the Christ Child realized were not one in the same. When people were looking for a strong leader who could take over power with position and force, God sent an infant child who was born in such unassuming circumstances that most people missed it. In fact the details remain in question as to the historicity and accuracy. Our accounts are varied and contradictory in terms of figuring what happen the night Jesus was born.

What are you hoping for? What do you want from Christmas?

Is there a gift or a promise?
Is there a new way of looking at the same old thing?
Is there a hope for things to change in a positive way?
Is there a warmth that the season has brought in the past that you hope will come again?

Will you be disappointed? Have you hoped too much?

Advent is the awaiting of the birth of a child and the child is the manifestation of an idea that is as radical as any idea can be. It is the suggestion that God Almighty isn't almighty, but precious and powerless and present in the form of a child.

I wish for you that Christmas will be what you need it to be. I would appreciate knowing what that could be for you. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your ideas click on the 'comments' box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Charles Schuster