“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
“It is Christmas time!” “It is the season of Advent!” “It is time to open the gifts!” “It’s time for Christmas dinner!” These are all phrases we will say and hear others say over the next few days and weeks. We complain about stores that display Christmas items too early − it does not seem like the right time. We rush to get our packages all bought and wrapped “in time for Christmas” because that is the right time to open them. Timing and finding the right time are intertwined in all aspects of our lives.
In our worship services over the next four weeks, we will be thinking about themes of Advent − a season of waiting and expectation. We wonder at God’s timing − why did it take so long for him to send Jesus? Why is it taking so long for the second coming of Christ? Why do we have such a hard time follow-ing the example of Jesus in our own circumstances? We wonder a lot about time and usually find ourselves in short supply of enough time to do everything − especially during this season of the year.
These four weeks before Christmas give us time to reflect on the meaning of Jesus coming to earth, time to renew his presence in our daily lives, time to read the traditional scriptures and wonder at God’s love and care for his people.
Jesus came into the world at just the right time. Jesus comes into our lives at just the right time. God will bring people across our path at just the right time so we can share his love and forgiveness.
Take some extra time this Christmas season to renew your relationship with Jesus. Take some extra time to reflect on the love God shows for the whole world and especially for you. Take some extra time to listen to the Holy Spirit’s gentle whispering and little nudges as he encourages you to take some extra steps toward being the hands and feet of Jesus.
David Brock
David loves being with people and greatly enjoys serving as co-pastor of Spiceland Friends Church. He and his wife, Linda, enjoy spending time with their three grown children and their grandchildren. David is also a full-time attorney. David likes to say that his job description is simple - it is like a pizza delivery person - deliver a hot, fresh sermon each week in LESS THAN 20 MINUTES! Actually, he does a few more things at the church, but his focus on the pastoral team is preparing a Sunday morning message that makes the scripture relevant and applicable to our lives.