Practicing gratitude and cultivating God’s presence in the traditions of the season, as we wait for the joy that will bring light this Christmas.
After Thanksgiving gatherings, my family and I start to plan for the festive season of Christmas. Time at the table discussing Christmas can be a mundane challenge for the family as we gather the list of gifts for the children and grandchildren. Often, we get so caught up in the distraction of the traditional season that we forget about the preparation of Advent and the true meaning of Christmas. We as human beings get distracted and take our eyes off “Christ the King,” the “Reason for the Season.”
As I grew in my faith journey, Advent became one of my favorite seasons of the church. I prepared Advent readings for the church and my family, dedicating the first twenty-five nights of December to sharing the accounts of God’s gift to humanity. At the table, we would light our Advent candles before each reading, sing a Christmas hymn, “O Come, O come, Emmanuel,” pray together, and memorize biblical stories from the gospel lessons.
A few years ago, I began writing Advent gratitude notes to my siblings and church family. On the note cards, I would share and write down one thing I am thankful to God for. I would express my appreciation and love for a God who gave me an Easter Gift at Christmas. I expressed gratitude for what God has done in sending Jesus into my life as I serve as a child of God in the Christian Ministry, helping in our Food Pantry, teaching Sunday School, and proclaiming the Good News wherever I find myself.
Practicing gratitude during the Advent Season enables me to pray and teach the Bible as a new beginning into the holiday season. As I find proper rest for my soul, I grow in adoration and praise for the One who blesses me in the wilderness of life. Gratitude increases my joy during the season and helps me give thanks for my daily bread.
Reverend Michael Edwards
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