Advent is here, again. Maybe it is the fact that I am getting a little older, but does it seem that time is moving faster and faster? I do not look forward to the rushing around that may be ahead of me, (most of us?), this season, and hope to do all in my power to minimize the waste of energy or resources that too easily become a part of these weeks before Christmas. There will be enough “stuff” to do legitimately, and I really hope to keep the extras to a minimum. This year anyway. Foremost on my mind this day as I look to these weeks of awaiting the coming of the Savior, is one simple question. How would my life be different without Christ? To me this is the whole focus of all of Advent. We each have four weeks to make some time to sit with the reality of Jesus' presence in our lives and to see if it really makes any difference whatsoever. After all, there was a time in human history where Christ had not yet been revealed. People could not have known him, since he had not yet been made flesh, as Saint John so beautifully writes, and their coming to know of a God who loved them was only to be fully realized with the birth of the Savior. There is darkness without light, and fear without hope. Before Christ, even the most "faithful" person had no certainty of sharing in God's love for them, if, that is, he or she even believed in such a God. Before Christ, the struggles of daily life would have made no sense whatsoever, but would only take away from the short time one had to live in this life. Death would have been the end of all things, and life everlasting unheard of. There would be little value to going out of your way to "lay down your life for someone else", even though you may still be willing to assist a brother or sister in need. There would be limits to anything resembling selfsacrifice, except perhaps for those who are closest to you. Being blessed with the presence of Christ, however, so much can be different. There is light on the darkest days, and hope when in the midst of the worst experiences of life. There is something that awaits the faithful follower who is willing to put ALL others ahead of him or herself, not just the ones to who we are the closest. And even if I have to give up everything, life as I know it included, such Death will have no power over me in the age to come. I believe these things to be true, and part of me has fully accepted these truths. The part that still needs to be convinced and brought to acceptance, needs these weeks of Advent. I pray it will not be denied such time this year should the craziness of the season come pounding on my door. In Watchful Anticipation,

© 2007 Peter J. Andrews