Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
A common pet peeve for pastors is a misrepresentation of the season of Advent. Advent is about welcoming and preparing for Christ’s return, but it is commonly seen as a sign to prepare for Christmas. What can end up happening are people in the church wonder why we don’t sing Christmas carols until December 24th when the Hallmark channel has already released 10 new Christmas specials before the beginning of December. Christmas is an exciting holiday for many reasons: presents, family, day off, presents,…oh and I guess the birth of Christ. That excitement leads to wanting to prolong the holiday cheer and jump right into the birth of Christ and Santa Claus celebrations. I am one of those people too. That is why this year Augustana is going to give a little slack and buy into the excitement of Christmas. If you can’t beat ‘em then join ‘em. These are the smart words Augustana will be abiding by for this “Advent/Christmas” season. Our church services will be about “Getting Excited for Christmas” instead of preparing ourselves for the coming Last Day. My hope is that the Christmas cheer can last the whole month of December as we countdown to Christmas Day. What is Christmas cheer? It’s not peppermint mocha lattes or candy canes. The holiday cheer is God’s love shone to us through the birth of Jesus. My idea and challenge to you this month is to share God’s love at least once a day in order to spread the Christmas cheer. This means you can help out somewhere, donate to something, pay a compliment to someone, or give somebody a hug!!! If it is at the end of the day and there is no opportunity to share that love with someone then think about what you are grateful for and give thanks to God in prayer. God’s blessings to you this Christmas! Spread that holiday cheer!
2 Comments
Nikki
11/27/2018 11:11:12 am
Thank you — I’m on to spread Christmas cheer!
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Sally Rehn
12/4/2018 02:51:38 am
Page 11 in Living Lutheran hits it perfectly, that is, our Lutheran approach to Christmas. Thank you thank you for changing it up a bit--we still are preparing for Christ but maybe more joyfully! Sally Rehn
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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