I listened to a song the other day- “Where are you Christmas?” -from one of my favorite Christmas movies. This particular version was a mom/daughter duet. It kinda got me…bc it was precious…and bc pandemic Christmas kinda sucks.
This year marks year five not working for a church- I think.
It’s hard.
When you spend 40 50 hours a week in the church building-having the church meetings-planning the church things- you think a ton about church, God, advent, etc. I can’t tell you how many advent guides I’ve written or copy/pasted for families over the years. Why am I crying over a dang Dr. Seuss song?
It’s because it’s December 2nd, and my 13 year old has dropped like 10 hints about how she can’t wait to get her advent calendar. She’s terrified that I have forgotten. I haven’t forgotten…it’s just that she’s been a grumpy jerk face to all of us this week, and I don’t WANT to do the work behind an advent calendar for HER- a Lego a day doesn’t quite cut it anymore. I have great ideas…and undeserving children.
But, for real- where are you freaking Christmas??
So, I got on Amazon. I’m gonna be honest, it’s where I stay these days- looking for presents for all the people to give my kids. I can’t even bring myself to start on my own Christmas. I’m tired already. Poor me- I’m overwhelmed by all of the requests from people who love us- that want to buy my children gifts that they will love. Bah humbug/get over yourself, Amber.
But this was not for a gift. I was looking for a cheesy advent guide. I just wanted scripture. Honestly, I grabbed the first one that 1) wasn’t ugly and 2) had daily scripture. Don’t forget…I’m tired already.
I read day one: “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
John 1:14–16
It was about the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. The Word is full of grace and truth. When it “became flesh” #JITRFTS, it was still full of grace and truth. When it set us apart, it shared that grace and truth with us. Heaps of it- mounds on mounds- filling up and running over.
It’s amazing how God’s Word claims to be transformative and then…is transformative.
He has given His undeserving children the greatest of gifts. This advent season, I’ll share this gift with my undeserving children in whatever ways I can- not to make pandemic Christmas fun, but because we need more than our typical Lego Christmas countdown. It’s just not cutting it this year.
God, Thank you for the gift of grace and truth that overflows and transforms in the toughest of seasons. You are our only hope, and also, the only hope we need.
amber sugg 