Hi First Presbyterian,
Pastor Jacobson and I were talking this week about Advent and how it feels different this year. I have often enjoyed the “purple” times in the Christian liturgical calendar (Advent and Lent). They are designed as times of waiting. Advent is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas and the significance of God’s incarnation. Lent is a time of waiting for the arrival of Easter and the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. In previous years, I have appreciated Advent and Lent because they help to disrupt the routine of life in a way that encourages me to take notice of God’s presence in my life. Well, it goes without saying that 2020 has provided us with its own disruptions of routines, which, as I said, makes the waiting period of Advent feel different this year. A metaphor came for Advent 2020 came to mind as I have been reflecting on this.
You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase, “Stop and smell the roses.” The phrase is usually used to mean something like, “Take notice of the good things in life and pause to appreciate them.” Advent in previous years has often been like a typical usage of “Step and small the roses.” Imagine this scene with me. You are out running errands, between meetings, or on your way to an appointment. You are on a schedule and feeling very rushed. On your way, you see a beautiful springtime crocus growing from the grass and you decide to stop for a minute, take a deep breath, and appreciate the lovely purple flower accented by the green grass around it. It puts your life into perspective and you feel grateful. That is how Advent was experienced by many people before 2020. Now imagine this other scene with me. You are outside for a walk, when suddenly it starts to downpour. Not only that, the wind begins blowing at 50 mph. This sudden storm was totally unexpected. You aren’t dressed for it, and you have a mile to walk before you’re back home. You’re frustrated, angry, and maybe even a little scared. By the time you are halfway home, you happen to see a little purple crocus growing in the grass. Despite the rain and the wind, the little flower seems to be standing tall, almost as if in an act of defiance to what’s happening around it. The courage and strength of the little flower gives you hope that you have the strength to make it back home. That is how Advent can be for you this year.
We don’t need to have our routines disrupted any more than they have already been this year. So let Advent give you a different kind of gift this year. Listen to the voices of the prophets. Listen to the voices of the angels. Listen for the promise of Jesus. Help is coming, and it is good news of great joy for all people. You will get through this, because of Immanuel, God-with-us.
Peace to you,
Pastor Neff