And this got me thinking about how easy it is for us to get distracted and focus on the wrong things. Why is it that we can become so upset about a company using red cups at Christmastime, but we don't get upset enough to reach across cultural or religious lines to understand each other? Maybe, if we listened to each other, and offered our best selves, our sisters and brothers from Paris would still be with us. Why is it that we get so upset over red cups that we fail to pay attention to the hurts deep inside of people's spirits? Pains that are so intense, that those hurting feel that violence is an "okay" outlet. Have we really allowed ourselves to get too busy, too self-centered, or so full of a feeling of entitlement that we stop caring about human lives? And, when did it become okay for a "Christian" school leader to encourage students to arm themselves and teach "those" people a lesson? All this goes against the teachings of our Rabbi - Jesus.
We are in the season of Advent, a time where we focus upon our faith and pay particular attention to hope, peace, joy, and love. These aren't luxuries in life; they're necessities. And Jesus knew this. That's why he took the time to invest in relationships with people. And that's what God calls us to do - spend time with people, so that we can love them. And love isn't always easy; it takes intentional work. Love is about our choices and actions. Love, not fear, not retaliation, not "what's in it for me?" Instead, love is giving without any expectation of getting anything in return. And oftentimes, we learn about hope, peace, joy, and love when we slow down and pay attention. That's what Advent encourages us to do.
So I'll leave you with this... today I am busy finishing up preparations for Christmas - our Christmas Eve service, the upcoming Sunday service, our church's newsletter, wrapping personal gifts, etc. While in the church's office, my friend John sits with me. The world defines John as "special needs," but I describe him as one who truly offers special gifts. He's taught me a lot. He makes fun of me when I'm so busy that I'm pinging off the walls. He helps me slow down and listen. Today, while I am busy typing away at the computer, John is in "his" office blasting the radio. He's listening to a young Michael Jackson singing, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and singing along - at the top of his lungs. It's beautiful. It's hope-filled. It's peace-filled. It's joy-filled. It's love-filled. When I look at John, I see Jesus. And I see Christmas. John is what's important in life. He's who we should pay attention to. Sing on, brother!
