it's a conspiracy, part III

Advent - a time of expectation and preparation.

We expect... that God will faithfully deliver us the slavery and despair we experience... that a ruler will be sent to govern the world with justice and peace... that we will receive a gift we could never imagine or reciprocate... that God will be with us.

We prepare... recognizing the ways our hearts and lives long for change... raising hope in our home, neighborhoods, and world... living generously and acknowledging the source of all we have been given.

I'm in a bible study with some women from my neighborhood. What a blessing that has been in and of itself! Our current book is by Beth Moore, and this week part of our homework studied the Greek word that is translated to "thanks" in several passages. Parts of the definition from Strong's Concordance gave us pause. It was interesting to discuss and consider how "thanks" might be more than our own uses of the word...

Transliteration: charis
Definitions: 1) grace 1a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech 2) good will, loving-kindness, favour 2a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues 3) what is due to grace 3a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace 3b) the token or proof of grace, benefit 3b1) a gift of grace 3b2) benefit, bounty 4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

In many ways, the marketing world we're witnessing this weekend has it right: Thanksgiving is the best kick-off to Christmas. Beyond the 4 AM sales and piles of catalogs, there is this truth: we begin Advent with recognition (and celebration!) of all we have. We have an opportunity to pause in thanks, praise, and fellowship. We can be openly grateful. We are invited to enjoy the people and things in our lives. We can see the painful in the midst of the joy. We can feast!

This year, our family is taking several practical steps to expect and prepare a celebration of God's arrival into humanity. To begin with, we'll be asking 'round the Thanksgiving table to hear proofs of grace received by each person. Like the pilgrims, some stories are not so much about bounty as survival. Other stories will reflect an amazing season of harvest. In each reflection, we can choose to hear God's grace, mercy, and provision.

As the weeks progress, I'll be sharing some of our practical Advent ideas here as well. I'm sure I'll be checking out Shannon and many other WFMW folks for their ideas! In the meantime, what works for me is simply this: pause, revel, and enjoy the grace and abundance God has offered!