Pre-Advent thought

[RickardoHolmes]

THIS may be a little too deep for discussion here, but I was thinking about making this my Advent themed ideas on this forum for the season

The idea is simple. Christmas...Presence vs Presents
Now it is not that simple, because mus=ch can be inferred and discussed, but what about the focus of the advent being all about Jesus' Presence in our lives, and not about external presents that the commercial industry seems to want to push at this time every year. It seems that one is all about Life and Enlightenment while the other is all about transient satisfaction, if at all.
So, for your Advent meditations, I ask you to discuss: which is more important, Jesus' Presence or Christmas Presents? And what can we do to enhance what we choose ?

 

[musicalpilgrim]

THIS may be a little too deep for discussion here, but I was thinking about making this my Advent themed ideas on this forum for the season

The idea is simple. Christmas...Presence vs Presents
Now it is not that simple, because mus=ch can be inferred and discussed, but what about the focus of the advent being all about Jesus' Presence in our lives, and not about external presents that the commercial industry seems to want to push at this time every year. It seems that one is all about Life and Enlightenment while the other is all about transient satisfaction, if at all.
So, for your Advent meditations, I ask you to discuss: which is more important, Jesus' Presence or Christmas Presents? And what can we do to enhance what we choose ?

At first glance, the answer is easy, the presence of Jesus...then comes the bit that requires more thought, what can we do to enhance what we choose?
I will chew on this and come back...

 

[~Anastasia~]

The American idea of Christmas I grew up with is in stark contrast to the idea of Advent - preparing the heart and looking forward to the coming of Christ, that was common in many different kinds of churches in the old country, I am told. A few years ago when I first observed it in the way taught by my (Orthodox) Church, my experience of Christmas was VERY different.

Probably driven by the desire of stores to make money, "sales" have been pushed back to now people must rush out while Thanksgiving Dinner is still on the table, abandoning family, in order to get the best deals. The decorations and music start in many stores in October. Many radio and TV stations dedicate their programming to Christmas media, even 24/7.

People enjoy celebrating. Parties are everywhere. Decorations go up in houses in November.

As a result, what a family member of mine did some years back is not too unusual. Sick of Christmas and ready to move on, by Christmas evening, the torn wrapping paper was in the garbage, ornaments packed away, tree on the curb. It was terribly sad to me.

Instead, some have looked forward to the coming of the Lord as a season of preparation. In our Church, we fast for 40 days prior. We can look for ways to serve others. We can spend more time in prayer. Instead of celebrating what hasn't happened yet, we focus on our need to purify our lives and our thoughts and look forward earnestly to the birth of our Savior. It can be a quiet time of spiritual focus instead of rushing around madly to procure more "stuff" and seeking to satisfy our own desires. The focus shifts to Christ.

I found it a very profound difference, to the degree that when I was medically unable to fast the following year, I really regretted that, because I knew I wouldn't be able to fully take advantage of what made the season so meaningful to me, more so than ever before in my life.

And already we pretty much don't happen to go to parties, have a lot of restraint in buying gifts, and decorate almost exclusively with Nativity items. Still, to make that extra focus was a blessing. I was very thankful for that experience.

 

[Babe Ruth]

The idea is simple. Christmas...Presence vs Presents

Rickardo.. Do they have to be in competition, and/or mutually exclusive (?)

I think we can celebrate/(meditate on) the religious, & the commercial/secular aspects of Christmas. But my attitude may be naive..

Incidentally, I like your avatar.. is it St Francis (?)

 

[RickardoHolmes]

Yes Thanks It is St Francis
I always had a deep admiration for him. I have learned much from his writings.