Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Barry Brahier.

About the time Janet and I joined Prince of Peace I recall shopping for boxes of Christmas cards at Dayton’s (yes – we’ve been PoP members for a long while!). Their selection seemed vast, but one card tickled my funny bone so much I recall it vividly and still break out laughing when I think about it – even though I didn’t purchase them because it was too “out there” for people on my list back then.

On the front, the scene was the shepherds tending their sheep at the very instant the heavenly host bursts forth proclaiming Jesus’ birth. Done in a cartoonish style, the innumerable and overwhelming magnificence and supernatural strength of the host was plain. Their singing was depicted with music staff, notes and several “hallelujahs.” The simple, tiny, shepherds seemed insignificant by comparison.

On the inside was a tight close-up of the head shepherd. Just his head, neck, upper torso, arms and hands, one with a crook. He’s staring right at us and has a wild look in his eye. And his mouth is wide open because he’s shouting with all his might so we get the message.

What is he screaming? “Hallelujah!!!” right? Or “Christ is born!!!!”??? Nope, not this guy. He’s yelling at the top of his lungs “LOOK BUSY!!!”

This was (and is) so funny to me because it hits close to home in two ways that may be familiar. First, “busy” sums up how I approached Advent for a long time. The frenetic shopping, baking, cooking, concert-going and merry-making of this time of year can be my booby-prize Advent if I let it. 

Second, I see myself in that shepherd. His fear of being called out for slacking runs deep in me, too. That means stopping to hear the still, soft voice of God is something that’s difficult for me – and I would prefer to do it quickly and get back to work!

Of course, all of this couldn’t be further from what I know in my heart to be Advent – a contemplative time of awe and inner preparation as we wait for Jesus to once again come into our world – something so good it is beyond our efforts and our deserving. So, I invite you to do what I will be doing: Taking time to be in awe at the prospect of Advent, especially at the end of the day. Light a candle or go outside and look up. Be still, breathe slow and deep, know that Christ is coming and be in awe. And be at peace.