Have you ever made a New Year's resolution? If you have, were you able to keep it? I've found that most people (myself included) who make new year's resolutions aren't able to keep them. This in part has something to do with the difficult resolutions we make for ourselves (think no junk food, caffeine, parties, sweets, etc.) as well as our natural tendency as humans to want something more once we can't have it!
Well this year I've decided to make a New Year's resolution that I WILL be able to keep. As a matter of fact, I'm committed to getting a jump start on this resolution. You may not know but Advent actually marks the beginning of the Christian year! Therefore, instead of waiting until January 1st, I'm going to make and start my New Year's resolution today! And now for the resolution...this year...I resolve to...JUST BREATHE!
Advent is not only the beginning of the Christian year, the word "advent" means "coming" and for Christians Advent marks the season when we look back and remember Jesus' first coming (as a baby) as well as look forward and anticipate Jesus' second coming. It's that second coming that our Gospel Lesson Luke 21:25-36 is speaking of. In this passage Jesus speaks of the signs (many of which are confussing and frightening) that will preceed his return. Not only does Jesus talk about the signs, but he also warns us not to let our hearts get weighed down with the stresses of life!
Unfortunately too many of us not only let our hearts get weighed down, but we get so caught up in all that goes along with this time of year that we forget why we are so busy. More often than not, by the time Christmas itself rolls around we are sooooo frazzled that we need to be reminded to "just breathe"! That's why I'm resolving to breathe this year, starting today. I would encourage you to join me in this simple (and completely doable) New Year's resolution.
Take the next few moments to just breathe, and possibly ponder what this season is all about.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor John
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