A Journey Through Advent: Friday, Dec. 10, 2021
by Angela Ferree,
Member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Ballwin
Today's readings: Psalm 1; Isaiah 48:17-19; Matthew 11:16-19
Growing up in Yorkshire, England, Advent was a definite and recognizable period in my family’s life. Yes, there had been earlier preparations; Christmas puddings steamed weeks before, with coins wrapped in greaseproof paper buried in the fruit-cake mixture for excited children to discover. But, my mother did not get out the decorations until after my brother’s birthday, December 12.
Although she had not received a high school education, my mother was devout in her faith. An ordinary woman by some standards, yet blessed by the Lord who declares such as her, “like a tree, replanted by streams of water which bear fruit.” (Psalm 1) And she followed the Lord in ways of peace and righteousness. (Isaiah 48:17-19)
We may not make elaborate preparations for Christmas. However, placing our modern lives in context is worthwhile. Just as the tree beside streams of water flourishes, let us remember that its surroundings were desert. We, too, are living in a secular desert. Yet let us not be dismayed but prepare this Advent for the coming of the Messiah in a holy and appropriate way. And I will try not to imagine my mother’s reaction to Christmas décor commercially displayed before Halloween.
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