The Clock is Ticking

"Imagine a complex, multi-cultural society that annually holds an elaborate winter festival, one that lasts not simply a few days, but several weeks. This great festival celebrates the birth of the Lord and Saviour of the world, the prince of peace, a man who is divine. People mark the festival with great abundance- feasting, drinking and gift giving....." (Richard Horsley- The Liberation of Christmas)

But who is that Saviour? At RevGals this morning, Sally tells us that this description from Horsley's book is of a Roman celebration during the time of the first Roman Christians. These early Christians went from celebrating the Emperor as the savior to celebrating the Risen Lord as their Savior.

I read somewhere recently that there are "Christmas Christians" and "Easter Christians." I'm of a mind to believe that there are a dozen other delineations, but I know that I am a Christmas Christian. Really, an Advent Christian.

Sally says that, regardless of what your local WalMart looks like,

"Advent on the other hand calls us into the darkness, a time of quiet preparation, a time of waiting, and re-discovering the wonder of the knowledge that God is with us. Advent's call is to simplicity and not abundance, a time when we wait for glorious light of God to come again..."

I've never really thought of it in this way, as calling me into the darkness. But, oh isn't it?

So, the Friday Five this morning suggests that we list 5 Advent longings...

1. I long to find peace. In my own heart, I struggle with one thing. Well, probably more than one thing, but one thing that takes up a lot of time in my head, too. I suspect I don't need to look far for that peace, but I think I need to find the courage to let that peace take me over.

2. I long for my students to "get it." To really get what Christmas is about, and understand that what they do for someone else is so much more valuable than what they'll find under a tree.

3. This time of year, I suddenly realize how busy my life is, and I long for the quiet the 2 weeks off work brings. Not only for the chance to sleep in and spend time with my family, but also for the renewal that I feel every year.

4. I long for family, and wish that I was closer to my extended family. We aren't on speaking terms with some of our family for some very good reasons (I think no counselor or pastor would argue those reasons with us). But I do wish it could be different. Family is so important to me and it hurts that I'm not closer to some of them.

5. A better world around me. I know world peace is the "Miss America" answer. I fear that it will only get worse before it gets better. It's always hard for me to watch the news and see so much bad stuff right now. Bombings, murders, fights, the economic situation, large scale lay-offs in my area. And at this time of year it's even worse for me. I feel like Christians should endeavor to be at their best this time of year and we should be trying to flood the news and the world with hope. And we don't. Well, we do, but it's still over-shadowed by negative.

For more Advent longings, visit RevGalBlogPals today.