Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem. Todd Outcalt

He may come to us at unexpected moments or when we are most tired or worn or confused. He may show up at the beginning or appear at the end of all things, when we least expect God’s redemption or grace.

      What a promise!

      So, as Mark 13 tells us, we need to be ready for Jesus’ coming at all times, including during our Advent journey. We may encounter Jesus in those closest to us: a spouse, a son or daughter, a grandparent, or a neighbor across the street. The way to Bethlehem is saturated with starts and stops, with both darkness and light, with angels and shepherds. We may discover that, like that of the shepherds (see Luke 2:8-20), our journey to Bethlehem is not far; or we may have to travel a great distance to get where we need to be, as did the magi (see Matthew 2:1-12).

      But the journey, as with every journey, begins with a single step: a step of faith; a lively step of confidence and watchfulness. Where do you need to be with God? Where might God be guiding you? What are you waiting for?

      Prayer: Lord Emmanuel, let me be alert and watchful for your arrival, for your guidance. Help me not to fall asleep or be blinded by arrogance or pride. Help me to watch through the night as I anticipate the dawn. Strengthen me for the journey ahead. Amen.

      ADVENT

       Day 2

       Transformation

      Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

      —ROMANS 12:1-2

      Centuries ago, after the church had become centered and clustered within large cities, the movement began to develop a Christian way of life consisting of retreat, contemplation, and simple living. This was known as the monastic movement, and the men and women who devoted themselves to this new way were later called the desert fathers and mothers. Anthony, who lived around 350 CE, is often considered the father of monasticism.

      While few modern Christians will take up this way of life, it is compelling to listen to some of these early teachings regarding simplicity and devotion to Christ. In many respects, our lives are no less contorted by the world these early monks encountered. For example, Anthony warned that the two main enemies of the spiritual life are anger and greed. Anger, he believed, emerges when we feel that we have been deprived of love, security, relationship, or hope. And if we searched our hearts, we would discover that what was true then is true now.

      Likewise, Anthony believed that greed flows out of this anger. What we don’t have, we want. And not just with money; greed can also take the form of being in possessive relationships, accruing security in things rather than principles, or even holding ourselves at the center of life.

      It is not easy to get past these things—especially as we prepare for Christmas, with all of its buying, and gift-giving, and stark awareness of our blessings and deficiencies. In fact, this season can often exacerbate our anger and greed and make us less receptive to the very Christ we profess to welcome and celebrate.

      Perhaps transformation is needed in the Advent journey toward Bethlehem. Perhaps we need to see things and people in new ways, to listen to the Spirit through new ears, to hear the cry of the needy as a cry of hope and salvation. During the days ahead, what transformations might be helpful to you and your family? Are there alluring temptations that need to be ignored? Are there sacrifices that need to be made to see Christ’s love in new ways?

      Prayer: Lord, renew us and open our eyes, so that we can see past the allures and temptations of this season. We are often seduced by busyness and a frantic pace. Slow us down, Lord. Help us to find sanctuary and security in your loving embrace and the promises of your everlasting love. Amen.

      ADVENT

       Day 3

       True Charity

      I . . . beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.

      —EPHESIANS 4:1-6

      In every generation, there are people who want to make a difference—people whose thoughts and great aspirations move the hearts and minds of the church. In 1856, in London, that person was William Booth, a Methodist who noted that, once again, people had become estranged from the church, and the church, subsequently, had become estranged from the needs of society. Despair and hopelessness had been wed to poverty and discord. There was no unity of service to meet the needs of humanity, and God seemed, to many, so distant and unkind.

      Booth began organizing small bands, usually of trumpets, other horns, and drums, to play on the street corners during the days preceding Christmas—a time when many people might, as Charles Dickens had written in his novel A Christmas Carol more than a decade prior, “open their shut-up hearts” to others. Booth collected pocket change and began to address the wider needs of humanity with acts of charity—a word that, then, was deeply ingrained in the gospel proclamation of God’s love in Christ as service and redemption to the world.

      What happened then has continued to this day: Booth envisioned the formation of The Salvation Army—a people dedicated to advancing the Christian faith through education, the eradication of poverty, and to any act of charity that would meet the wider needs of humanity. Perhaps you too have participated in this movement without ever realizing the intent. And that was part of Booth’s vision as well.

      During this Advent season, our hearts tend to be more open to others, and we often acknowledge the poverty and needs of society. Likewise, our hearts are often moved to the needs that exist in our own families and in the lives of our friends and neighbors. Kindness swells, and so does the spirit of Christmas. True charity is any act that moves us deeper into the love of Christ or serves the needs of humanity—even basic ones such as food, clothing, or shelter. These acts remind us that Christ entered the world as a weak and vulnerable child, dependent upon others for his basic needs and for his growth and sustenance. His birth is an invitation for us to provide for his needs, which we see most clearly in the needs of others. For, as Jesus once said, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40).

      How have you demonstrated charity in your celebration of Christmas? How are you preparing to see Christ or to welcome him through your actions today?

      Prayer: Gracious Lord, you came among us as a small and vulnerable infant. But you also came to serve and to give your life as a ransom for many. Bless the hands and feet that go forth to serve in your name, so that in all things, even our smallest acts of charity can be a greater demonstration of your abiding love. Amen.

      ADVENT

       Day 4

       A New Day

      Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

      —ROMANS