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. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Advent takes on a special meaning this season. We look forward with anticipation to Christ coming into our lives, but this year we anticipate a vaccine that will stop the deaths of so many of our neighbors, a new President and Congress, and if you are like my children and grandchildren Santa Claus coming down your chimney. It would be easy this year to forget the true meaning of Advent because of the other events coming.
That’s why Bonhoeffer’s words are so important. The end of the virus, politics, and material wealth don’t comfort the troubled soul and those of us who know that we are imperfect. Advent is a time to look beyond the worldly and toward “something greater to come.”
Look forward to the end of the virus, a new government, and a bright red firetruck under the tree, but don’t lose sight of the ultimate gift — the one that comes from God and soothes the troubled soul.
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