As we prepare in our
churches and homes for Christmas to arrive, we are moving through Advent. It is
a time of waiting, expectation and preparation. However, being human, it is
also a season of stress and worry.
For this Friday Five,
share how you are in this transition of Advent to Christmas. As the Savage
Chickens cartoon shows us, we alternate between “cinnamon and panic”! Write
about 5 aspects of cinnamon or panic you are experiencing or whatever is in
between; maybe mention how you are reminded to stay in the present holy moment.
Cinnamon:
Christmas is very close (here!) when I get to visit with a dear friend from
seminary days on our once-a-year update overnight. Yes, adults still do
sleepovers! It’s the only way to catch up as fully as a whole year deserves.
Panic: Will the 4th
Sunday of Advent, Christmas Eve, and Christmastide bulletins all get done so
our admin assistant doesn’t have to work every day of the holiday? Will I
finish something for January 12, since I’m taking vacation from New Year until
then? Will I really get to relax on vacation??
Cinnamon: There’s a small pile of wrapped gifts for friends sitting in our
living room. I love wrapping gifts, so it’s a delight to see them waiting to be
given.
Panic: Will I really be able to continue/finish the daily Advent
blogging that I began? I don’t want to disappoint any church members, but we’re
in the crunch time, here, so…
Cinnamon: Just before Christmas, I get to do what I love most about my ministry—visit
visit visit! Yes, sometimes the visits are sad or hard or feel too time-crunched
between other visits, but this is what I was called to do, be present. Thanks be to God!
