SBP Advent Day 7 - St. Patrick's

Hope in Practice

Light one candle and say together
Come, Judge, Lawgiver, and King. Let us live according to Your will.
(from Isaiah 33:22)

Reflection

How long is your to-do list this season? The pre-Christmas rush seems to start earlier and earlier every year, perhaps because there is just too much to do. With events, shopping, cleaning and decorating the house, baking, visiting, wrapping... while children are counting down the days to the 25th, many adults are wishing for more days in the calendar or more hours in the day because it all feels like too much.

We live in a society that glorifies productivity. This shows up in so many ways, from a toxic relationship with being busy to the discontent that comes from comparison when we see other people doing things so well and so beautifully. In a society where productivity is god, rest of any sort, even necessary rest, is considered evil. We celebrate early risers as if sleeping in is a moral deficiency. We call people who try to prioritize rest and balance "lazy". We offer too little sick time and disparage those who use even that. "I'll be on vacation but will be checking in occasionally" is seen as a good work ethic.

It is no wonder we've become so sick. It is no wonder we were made to stop, to stay home, to slow down. The idol we worshipped was torn down before us and yet now, we're rebuilding it, stronger than ever.

This productivity morality points to hearts that are bent towards self-sufficiency and control. "If I don't, who will..." is the mantra we live by. In this productivity religion, we become the gods who are holding our lives together, ensuring our own success, and hoarding resources just in case. There is no room for the actual God of the Universe who is the ultimate provider and sustainer.

The irony is, we cannot control everything. Of course we can’t. We can care for what we're asked to care for and be good stewards of resources we've been tasked with overseeing, but we cannot protect ourselves from disasters or downturns or unseen changes. All along, we have been worshiping our own strength when our strength was never enough.

In today's readings, we see a God who is large enough to control the rain, the snow, and the harvest. We see a God who protects, guides, and provides. We see a God whose delight is not in those of us who put our hope in our own strength and endurance (Psalm 147:10-11) but in those of us who place our hope in God's unfailing love. And we see that ultimately, God is the one who sustains everything. God is not asking you to do all the work. He’s asking you to join Him while He does it.

So, this Advent, even with all the things that need to get done, practice hoping in God's unfailing love for you and His ability to hold you, over your own strength and ability to do things. Start with small moments of Sabbath; removing yourself from electronics, notifications, and expectations. Practice not doing, but trusting instead.

Reflect and Discuss

Does your to-do list feel too overwhelming this season?
Does “Christmas” make you feel excited or does it give you feelings of dread? Where do you fall along this continuum?
How does it feel to think about spending an hour, an afternoon, or a whole day purposefully not being productive?
If you feel you do have extra time this season, pray and discern if God is calling you to take something off someone else's plate.

Pray
Lord, you do not delight in our acts of strength and endurance but you delight in hearts that trust in your unfailing love. Gather us, heal our hearts that are bent towards control, and hold our lives in your hand. We trust you with our days. Help us trust you.
Amen.

Advent in Action
Take a mini-Sabbath this weekend where you don’t do anything. If you are doing this challenge with your family, this is a really great example to set and habit to form with your kids, even before they are overwhelmed by having too much to do.

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