theDodger

We're almost at the end of November and on the threshold of Advent. Advent is the Christian season of reflection, expectation in Hope and opportunity to put our lives aright before the Joy of the arrival of the Saviour. It guides us towards a better relationship with God and others. It also looks forward to the coming of the power of Christ in the daily life of the whole Universe.

But what is it's  useful purpose today in cultures that ignore or who are unaware of the love of God in Christ?

http://bustedhalo.com/features/advent-calendar-2013

This time of year has become a whirlwind of frantic spending and feasting. It's motivation appears to be big business preying on the appetites of people who are financially, spiritually and possibly morally semi-bankrupt. To a degree where all moved by this - either sucked in or radically cynically anti.

Advent can help us gain a calmer, more hopeful perspective on life. It can help balance the joy of giving and sharing with the celebration of the gift of life and the gift of this Universe as our home. It isn't helpful to think "religious"; even though Advent has it's conception in religion. Think of it as the opportunity to develop clear thoughts on the coming Year - yes also to look forward in anticipation of a feast. But, more than any time in human history, this planet Earth - our only home -is in need of a "saviour". What can we do to bring them into our "home"?

All the "isms" ever invented have fallen short of being the answer. The most recent one, consumerism, has failed us by creating greed and poverty. Capitalism and Communism became new-socialism and they couldn't get their "menage a trois" together. Religion continues to confuse, control and corrupt. Climate change could render this planet - our home - uninhabitable for the level of population which clings to it's surface. So where is the answer? What has Advent got to do with the Twenty-first Century non-Christian citizen?

Think of it as preparing your home for a special guest. They are welcome, but they might ask some pointed questions on what you believe and what you're doing with your life. It might be an opportunity to put some of your own relationships right. It could be to chance to get rid of some of the clutter, mental or physical; we all  acquire throughout the year. It could be the time to look at some of the issues that can't be explained by science or reason. It's a time for new perspectives and preparation - so in your whole life try something new.

I am sure in my Christian perspective and look forward to the coming Saviour in the form of baby Jesus. That was God's way of doing things - I can only wonder. I look forward to the loving power of the Risen Christ in my life (that's the Easter effect - don't want to go deep into that now)

This picture above says to me that God's love is for all people - Advent can give us all the opportunity to reflect on that.