SBP Advent Day 6 - St. Patrick's

The Search for Christmas

Light one candle and say together
Come, Lord Jesus, let us see your goodness.
(Psalm 27:13)

Reflection

There's a newer holiday tradition that has popped up in the last decade. Typically it involves a little elf that moves around the house every day leading up to Christmas. Children wake up in the morning, eagerly anticipating where they will find their little North Pole friend. Other households participate in this tradition in different ways. Some seek a shepherd or an angel or a lamb or even a Christmas star. Some families search for the characters in their nativity set as they make their way towards the manger where Jesus will be found on Christmas; first Mary and Joseph start their journey, then as Christmas draws near children also start looking for the shepherds and the wise men on their journey to the manger. Regardless of the narrative that each family is telling about these moving figurines, it is clear that the theme of searching seems to partner well with this season leading up to Christmas.

It isn't just the kids getting in on the searching either, though perhaps the feeling is a little different for adults. Instead of childlike wonder being kindled in us each morning as we wake up, knowing there will be something new to find that day, many adults feel the weariness of seeking that perfect gift for everyone on their list. (Or maybe gift-giving is one of your top love languages and you have a spreadsheet of ideas and the presents have already been purchased and your wrapping is done and you just can't wait to see the joy on your loved ones’ faces when they open their gifts).

We're all searching for something this season. If we start to really examine ourselves, we'll realize that we're not just searching for the perfect gift-on-the-list or star-on-the-jar, but we're hoping that in this season we will find something that meets the deeper needs of our hearts. Christians aren't the only ones seeking hope, peace, joy, and love this month. These are deeply felt, human needs that at Christmas, everyone tries to experience or bring to others. But unlike a Christmas ornament hiding in our homes each day, sometimes the search for these deep desires can feel discouraging, especially when we have no idea where to look.

The psalm we read today talks about this search, but it is also full of hope. In this psalm, the author has confidence that God will be found and that His goodness will be seen in a real and tangible way, even in the author's lifetime.

The truth in Advent is that God fulfills our heart's desires for hope, peace, joy, and love. One of God’s promises that have been true throughout history is that He is not so far away that He cannot be found. What we come to realize through this journey to Christmas is that God is coming near to us, over and over again, so that we can find Him. So seek His face. Be confident that you will find the God of the universe who is real and personal and who loves you this Advent.

Reflect and Discuss

What are you hoping to find in this Advent?
Are you confident that God will show up in your life?
How can you make a practice of seeking God each and every day?

Pray
Lord of light, give us confidence that you are near. Help us seek your face every day this season and show us your goodness. Give us strength while we wait for you.
Amen.

Advent in Action
If you live with kids, set up a Christmas scavenger hunt each day to experience the joy of children waking up and knowing they get to find something wonderful! If there are no young children in your home, set up a nativity scene, but move the figurines closer to the manger each day, and don't add Jesus yet (if that’s possible). Allow this action to remind you that you are on a journey and that at the end of it, Jesus -- God With Us -- will be found.

More information about our Advent Prayer Challenge can be found here.
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