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Advent and Christmas Celebration

Week 2, Saturday:  Peace

Gary Swartzlander

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Heading Toward Christmas!

Here we are with just a little over a week or so left before Christmas. Wow, it just does not seem possible. Where has the time gone? Time that is consumed by day-to-day activities. Time that is consumed so fast that we seldom realize that it is gone until it's too late. So, here we are in the middle of Advent, wondering where this year has gone. The next few days will take us to Christmas Eve.

There are dozens of things to do before Christmas Eve. You probably have a company Christmas party to attend. There is probably a program at one of the kids' schools you need to attend, maybe even 2 or 3 depending on how many children or grandchildren you have. Are the Christmas cards mailed yet? Are the holiday meals with the families planned yet? And the groceries bought? We really wanted to make Christmas cookies and candies this year didn't we?

And, oh yes I'm sure there are still Christmas presents to buy. You're not going to tell me that you're all done buying those presents--that's just not possible. Sounds like it's going to be a busy few days, doesn't it? I'm tired just thinking about it. The problem is that we've figured out how busy we are going to be, and have not left ourselves time to do the things that should be the most obvious, and the most important. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 2, 14 (NIV).

From our house to yours, have a glorious and special Christmas season! May He who was in the beginning, but gave himself up so that we can enjoy life everlasting, be real to you this holiday season and may you have the time to worship Him and receive from Him those gifts that He has for you.

~ Gary Swartzlander
Jackson, Michigan, USA

Today's Scripture Readings*
[Psalm 30,32] [Haggai 2:1-19] [Revelation 3:1-6] [Matthew 24:1-14]

Yes Father,

The press of the season can be overwhelming. So much to do, so little time. Where did this year go? Lord, where will next year go? I confess, I didn't get everything done that I set out to accomplish this year. I probably won't next year either. That realization is unsettling to me. So, as I hurry through the next days, help me to do my best. And let that best be submitted to You. And help me trust You to bring the peace that only You can bring.

Amen

*These readings are adapted from the Daily Office of the Book of Common Prayer, Year 2.  For Year 1 readings, see Daily Readings, Advent 1.

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