Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes in “Christmas Sermons”: “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.”
The first time I read this I thought how troubled Bonhoeffer must have been. As I read it over and over, I realized that what he is saying is true. The truth is, without Jesus Christ, we are all troubled, poor and imperfect whether we choose to recognize and admit it or not.
Most people and most Christians for that matter are self absorbed this time of year. We don’t even wait until Thanksgiving to begin the Christmas Season. Our minds are fully engaged in Christmas before the Thanksgiving leftovers are eaten. We are too busy focusing on planning our Christmas celebrations to really stop and celebrate Advent.
In our haste to satisfy our desires and other’s desires for the perfect holiday, we can’t really be bothered with Advent. Advent requires us to stop; to be still, to read, to pray, to meditate, and to listen for God’s voice. Rather impossible to do with everything that must be done to celebrate Christmas “correctly.”
Those however who are troubled, who recognize themselves poor and imperfect are, as Bonhoeffer describes, available to celebrate Advent. Their situation makes it difficult to celebrate as many think we should or need to. As I read this I’m drawn to the Sermon on the Mount and the beatitude: “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
I’m keenly aware this year as I speak with two close friends who have lost their wives to cancer – aware of just what Bonhoeffer is speaking of as they ponder their situation in life and look forward in hope for greater things to come. On the one hand I hope we can celebrate Advent properly without being troubled in soul, but I also know how difficult it is for us to slow down on our own.
Prayer: Father, help me to see just how poor I am without Jesus Christ in my life. Help me to see just how hopeless I am without Jesus in my life. You are my light and my salvation; help me to trust in You more and less in myself. Help me to slow down, to be still and know that you are God and I am not. Help me to look forward to something greater to come, greater than my eyes can see or my mind can imagine. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
God’s Blessings, Pastor Brett
Interesting concept and so true.