Now we are in the season of Advent, a time of repentance and preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.  We are also preparing for the celebration of the first coming of Christ into our world.  Most people in America probably are not aware of Advent, since it is not emphasized as much as it once was, and since we are not a homogenous society.  But for liturgical people, it is a time of deep reflection, and sober consideration of life.  This year, with all the attention given to the Mayan calendar, maybe more people are thinking about the end of the world, and maybe some of those people will wonder about spiritual life.  It’s certainly difficult in America to think about spiritual life in the midst of our materialist culture.

It is a well attested fact that Jesus Christ of Nazareth was born, lived and died in Israel.  No one can dispute this fact.  It is also well attested that Jesus rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven.  He claimed to be God.  Christians believe he is God. For us, Christmas is the celebration of God incarnate as man.  All the gifts, parties, decorations, romance, music, and family gatherings are secondary.  The primary focus is the love of God for the people he created.  Man is in a mess, but God is a clean up expert.  God himself came to earth to redeem man from all evil.

The heart banner I made for our choir program (see the post: sewing) stands for the heart of God, and for our open hearts to receive grace and love from God.  Is your heart open to truth and grace?    That is the Advent question for all of us to ponder.