When my boys were very little I remember their watching me as I bustled around getting ready for our vacation. They were too young to remember previous vacations, so they could not quite comprehend the meaning of the word. I explained as best I could where we were going, the house in which we were staying, the wide beaches, and what we would be doing. I described it as an adventure. For several days they studied me intently as I vacuumed, cleaned out the refrigerator, and washed the dog. They grew impatient, asking, “Why are you doing all this work—can’t we start the adventure now?” “Not yet,” I replied, “there is work to do before we go.” As time drew closer, I bought some new clothes for the boys and began packing for the trip. They were excited, but one of my sons expressed concern as he watched me fold clothes into suitcases. “What if I don’t like it? Maybe I just want to stay here and sleep in my own bed and wear my old clothes and play with my own toys.” I told him, “Trust me, you will love it, and don’t worry, I will be with you.”
As I light the candles on my Advent wreath and set up more Christmas decorations, I often think back to that time— a time when my boys’ knowledge and experience were in the early stages, and they had to trust me and my description of what was to come.
Advent is a time to prepare our homes and hearts for Christmas, but I also think it is more than the four weeks leading to Christmas. We are in a lifetime season of Advent. We know our eternal salvation is sure if we have accepted the gift Christ offers to each person, but the total manifestation of our redemption awaits.
Even though our “adventure” of eternal life is secure, we are not to sit idle; there is work to be done. Right here. Right now. I have plenty to do today: people to forgive, resentments to relinquish, a prayer to offer, a tangible gift to someone through money or a service, a word of encouragement to be shared, a Bible to read, taking time to listen to God instead of the clamor of this world, believing Jesus is who He says He is, and allowing Him transform me into the person He created me to be. Whatever our talents, time, treasure, we can spread the light of Christ and grow closer to Him—right now.
Regardless of our age, each one of us is on the cusp of our eternal Adventure We know a bit about what is to come, and much of it sounds wonderful. However, most of it seems mysterious and beyond our present experience, and the mysterious can be unsettling. But, if you express your concerns to your Heavenly Father, I imagine He will tell you, “Trust me, you will love it, and don’t worry, I will be with you.”
This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. John 6:29
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
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