This was included in a recent issue of my church's newsletter.
Thanksgiving is the starting pistol for the Holiday Season. Black Friday, the first day of the year that many department stores turn a profit, gives us the gift of great deals; we can also feel a little less guilty about listening to our Christmas music.Before you take out Nat King Cole, consider how Thanksgiving gives you the opportunity to be prepared in heart, mind, and soul for the season of Advent. On that day we stuff ourselves with tryptophan, watching parades and football games (fútbol if you're in Ecuador). We spend time with family as we relax and cherish the day. Most of all, we give thanks for these things and more.
This special holiday is an excellent way to start Advent, though it's a few days early. What better way to await the coming of the Christ-child than with a thankful heart?
Thanksgiving isn't the only holiday you can tack on to this exciting season. Advent is a special time full of many opportunities for celebration that we often ignore, only setting our sights on the Big Day.
Saint Nicholas' Day is on December 6, the second Sunday of Advent this year. Saint Nicholas of Myra (in modern-day Turkey) was orphaned after his wealthy parents were killed by an epidemic. He inherited their fortune and decided to give it to the poor, the sick, and children. This generous man went through hard times as Emperor Diocletian imprisoned him for his Christian faith. He emerged years later, a skinnier man, and this bishop continued his expedition of giving. On December 6, as you light the second Advent wreath candle, think of Saint Nicholas, and let the spirit of giving warm your heart and encourage you to implement similar practices in your own life. Matthew 6:20 says "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Our gifts are meant to be spent, not hoarded. We should be good stewards with our possessions. In Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster writes that when we view each of our possessions as gifts cared for by God, and if we offer everything we have to everyone we know, we will possess a greater gift: freedom from anxiety.
On December 21, the first day of Christmas vacation for many students, remember Thomas the disciple. For the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion, this is his actual feast day. As you might remember, he is the disciple who at first doubted Jesus returned after the resurrection. Use this day to turn outward, thinking, praying, and ultimately discerning what is happening outside of your life. Then try to see what God has been teaching you that you may not have seen before. Doubting Thomas is also sometimes known as Thomas the Believer because of when he turns around to exclaim "My Lord and My God!" (John 20:28) Widen your perspective on this day, and try to see the Lord at work in more places.
Finally, the day after Christmas, Boxing Day for some, is also Stephen's Day. In Acts, he becomes the first Christian martyr as he is stoned to death for proclaiming his beliefs (Acts 7:60). As you clean up your home, and as you wear your new clothing or watch those new DVDs, remember amidst all of the plenty that there are those who suffer greatly. Many of them do it so that you may have that joy and freedom.Celebrating these in your heart, along with available Advent devotionals, will make this season even greater for you and yours; you'll have a humble, thankful heart ready to "Live out the kingdom now, and celebrate every day for the miracle it is" (Matthew 24:36-44 )