A Sigh of Relief
Ahhh. That wonderful sigh of relief when the papers are finished. The books are read. The shopping list is complete. The house is cleaned.
Perhaps in our commercialized, consumerist culture, that’s what Advent’s all about: working yourself up to the breaking point of Christmas when you can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Christmas – the baby born and healthy. The family at home together. Singing hymns in four-part harmony. Stomachs full and presents unwrapped. The end of expectations: no more parties, concerts, entertaining, wish lists, decorating, traveling over icy roads, extending the end-of-the-year budget. The assurance that God is with us in Emmanuel, Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit at Christmas resides in our sighs of relief. May you enjoy the true peace and release that Christ brings this Christmas.