No wonder we are weary, we have lost the ability to truly rest, and have forsaken the wonder of waiting, replacing anticipation with headlong rush of activity adding stress to a season that sends bank accounts and relationships spiraling into disaster. How tragic that parents are judged not by the love, care and concern that they have for their children but by the size of the parcel they are able to provide. I speak to mothers who sacrifice bedtime stories and cuddles for part-time jobs simply in order to buy that latest toy for a child whose head has been filled desire for a toy that has been advertised solidly from September onwards. I speak to families stressed out by not being able to buy the approval of relatives and friends. I hear it from my own children as living on student loans they struggle to resist the perils of the season!
Advent is not about chocolate filled calenders it is a season of repentance and fasting just as Lent is, it is also a season of preparation, one that calls us not to look to the babe in the manger but rather to the risen Christ WHO WILL COME AGAIN.The rest of her post is equally thought-provokoing. It's nice to see others are pondering these issues and writing about them.
Hat tip to Dave Black for the link.
2 comments:
Pondering and in some ways I might say even grieving over these same thoughts. I was feeling VERY alone with them, but feel comforted knowing others are thinking the same. So, how do we go from "thinking" about the problem to CHANGING the "trend"?
Well, in our case it's hard to cut back on a lot of activities because of Eric's being the pastor of our church. I try very hard to have our home be a haven of peace and rest amid the hubbub. We do say "no" to many activities and then strive to not feel guilty about it. Also, we don't make a big deal about the material aspect of Christmas. Our kids get only a few (and I do mean FEW) presents-usually they ask for books or a certain game or toy--and they know that we will NOT go into debt for any present....no credit card purchases. We spend a lot of time talking about the Incarnation and God's eternal plan for man's atonement, and God's glory in it. I don't spend hours and hours baking/decorating/making things unless it's time with the kids or friends fellowshipping as well. I don't know how we can change the trend in our churches, though, of constant rush and activity throughout the Christmas season. I think people are so used to always doing certain things that it never occurs to them that they can choose NOT to do them.
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