Advent I

Last Sunday I wrote about plunging into the "holiday season," and how difficult it is to find the quiet to engage in Advent. Obviously, my body decided otherwise. This morning I woke up to find that the cold I have been fighting off since returning from the Dominican Republic had finally settled into a head cold. As a result, I spent most of the day in bed and did not even get to church. Of course, I was not totally without church. I checked Elizabeth Kaeton's Telling Secrets to read her sermon for today. As always, Elizabeth's sermon provided lots of food for thought.

And a day in bed provided lots of time for reflection. I found myself thinking about Advent, Christmas, and the furor they provoke. Calls for boycotts of stores where employees do not wish customers "Merry Christmas," or of those where "Happy Holidays" is the norm. Sermons and blogs about the "true meaning" of the season, as well as those on how to keep a "Holy Advent." Sometimes I am not sure which is worse, the rampant commercialism and consumerism or the strident sermonizing against them. Since most of our treasured Christmas traditions predate the celebrations of "Christ's Mass," and Christians appropriated the Solstice Holiday rather late in the game, one wonders how "true" any of it is anyway.

As for the stress of the season, churches are as responsible for it as the merchants. Holiday bazaars, Advent and Christmas Pageant, extra services, choir rehearsals only slightly less in number than those leading up to Easter, charity baskets, gift drives, and, and and... Enough already!

The dark days surrounding the Winter Solstice have prompted celebrations and gift giving for generations beyond historical memories. We can enjoy those aspects of the holiday, in whatever form we celebrate it, without letting ourselves get totally caught up in the frenzy. I will wish my Jewish Friends "Happy Hanukkah" and my pagan ones "Blessed Yule." When I decorate the house, I will display my creche collection complete with its baby Jesuses before Christmas and the Wise Men before Epiphany. I will go to parties. I will finish buying presents for family and friends. I will find my quiet time when I need it, and not when someone else says I should be having it. I will play Christmas music. I will not let the Advent Police dictate when and how I enjoy the traditions and celebrations of the season.

Now if you will excuse me, I feel the urge to go bake gingerbread for Thursday.

Peace,
Jeffri