Have you ever googled “percentage of people who dread the holidays?” It’s kind of fascinating. The numbers range, but it’s consistently a lot: 88 percent say they feel stress, 61 percent say they flat out dread the season, etc. High numbers.
Last year, many of us struggled to adapt to how different Christmas looked compared to previous years. This year, we are moving closer to something more familiar with gatherings and celebrations. While we still need to navigate some challenges, we can keep in mind three specific things this Christmas season.
"Wait for me!" Our 4-year-old runs after his big brothers, coat flapping and boots thumping. As I watch the kids race through the yard, his words echo memories of Decembers past when I waited for a new baby.
Four years ago, in a case from Missouri, a majority of justices of the Supreme Court agreed that a Lutheran church that operated a day school was entitled to funding from a state program for upgrading playgrounds in the interests of child safety.
There are a variety of powerful themes that make Advent a season of tremendous grace. I would like to ponder three that stand out in our readings this day: humility, joy and faith.
Are you tired yet? Tired in the moment, the day, the season? Or tired for as far as the eye can see? It’s a hot and dusty road, the holy way we pursue during Advent. We all get tired as we travel it. God begins a movement toward us, extends an invitation to us, and we go out to meet him, eager for the encounter.
Gospel Commentary Dec. 12, lk 3:10-18
As we enter the second week of Advent, things are ramping up in anticipation of Christmas. That means we are well on our way to that great celebration of our faith and the hope that accompanies it.
The first purple candle was lit the first weekend of Advent. Now move clockwise and light a second purple candle on the second week, and then the third week, Gaudete Sunday, the pink candle is lit. The last purple candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Familial obedience
Gospel Commentary Dec. 26, lk 2:41-52