This Sunday we begin our Christian new year with the advent of Advent. We are entering a season of waiting and watching, preparing our hearts to receive God's presence.
This week, the United States takes time out to celebrate Thanksgiving. Whatever our sordid history or troubled present, at our best, we are a people who give thanks and share our blessings. Yet how well do we really embody a spirit of thanksgiving this season? I myself am making my lists, spending time shopping and cleaning and cooking, preparing for guests (my parents are coming to town, and you'll get to meet them on Sunday!), and trying to get ahead on some work. I am determined to spend some time relaxing and enjoying my family, but I know it will be a challenge - how quickly things come up and stress takes over!
Every year the same drama plays out in our culture, from the frenzy of preparations, to the tired cleaning up and dealing with leftovers. And then comes Friday - "Black" Friday as it's often called - the day when everyone rushes to buy things they probably don't need, all because it seems to be a good deal. So we go from frantically preparing for a time of Thanksgiving, to a brief and sometimes stressful or lonely (depending on family dynamics) Thanksgiving day, right back to a focus on consuming - getting more, for a better deal, than we really needed in the first place.
And somewhere in there, we have lost the concept of Sabbath, a time to worship and be renewed, to just be and take in the blessings that surround us. In her article Black Friday and the Importance of Sabbath Rest, Danielle Tumminio writes, "Even though Black Friday is not on a Saturday or Sunday, it follows a period of heightened work and stress; it's a natural time for rest, and yet, it's a time in which rest is not encouraged. One at a time, we can change this culture. As God's children, it is our responsibility to find that rest for ourselves because without it, regardless of religious affiliation, we will psychologically dry up like turkey left too long in the oven."
So perhaps this year we can start Advent a bit early - every year we enter into the same drama, hearing the story of Christ's impending birth, allowing our hearts to sit with the anticipation and hope of a world transformed. And if, for you, this season is one of loneliness and heartache, you may know better than the rest of us what it means to long for a new world, where every tear will be dry and you will know the deep peace of God's presence.
Wherever you find your hearts this season, will you accept the challenge and honor the Sabbath this week? As you sit around your tables and celebrate the Eucharist (Greek for Thanksgiving), let the moments linger and savor the gift of Sabbath. And I will do the same.
I wish you all Thanksgiving blessings, and I look forward to beginning the new year with you on Sunday.
In peace,
Manda
Texts for Sunday:
I'm delighted to say that our house is nothing like what your letter describes: Bonnie is the chef & conductor. She prepares things like apple and pumpkin pies ahead of time; I prepare the turkey for her to stuff, etc. Bonnie does all the cooking, but when it comes time to take everything up to serve the meal, Bonnie directs 3 - 4 other people in what to do. This way everything is on the table waiting for Bonnie to read a prayer.
ReplyDeleteAfter the meal, everyone, but Bonnie, picks up the table while she relaxes.
After that, we continue to laugh & chat and play some kind of board or card game.And somewhere in there we watch the Dog competition on TV.
Then company goes home and we both take a long nap.
As far as Black Friday: we have completed our holiday gift shopping days before except for participating in this years "Small Business Saturday" to support our local stores.
I don't think it could be more relaxed.
Ray