Past, Present, Future

Two days ago, Christians around the Globe began observing the Season of Advent.  This season, neatly tucked between Thanksgiving and Christmas, is both a time of remembrance and a time of anticipation.  During Advent, Christians recall from the biblical passages accounts such as Genesis 3:15 and Isaiah 9:6, the promises of the Old Testament "minor" prophets, Anna's joy and Simeon's delight, how the people of God were waiting for the advent (coming) of the Messiah.  Christians, during Advent, anticipate the Lord's return.

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Revelation 22:20 (NIV)
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

And so, we remember and wait.  We look backward and forward.  Yet, Advent is not really about the past or the future.  Advent is packed full of meaning for the present.  Advent is a time in which we can reflect on our habits, routines, decisions, victories, and failures - seeking to hear from God about how well (or not) we are living the present - living today.  

In light of the past and in recognition of the promises of God about the future, how are you living today?  How well are you living your everyday, Ordinary life today?

The author of Hebrews encourages and challenges us regarding this topic.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Notice the call to action.  The writer, inspired by the Holy Spirit, urges us to be about doing some very important things.  What things?

1. Consider (as in:  Devote some time to thinking.)
   Refuse to miss opportunities to grow.
   
2. Spur One Another (as in:  Motivate each other.)
   Remind each other of the important things.
   
3. Love and Do (as in:  Feel and Act.)
   Regularly do things (acts of service) for others out of love.
4. Meet Together (as in:  Build community.)
   Run with the pack.
5. Encourage One Another (as in:  Don't be a jerk.)
   Revive courage in others with you-can-do-it cheers.
   

Five weeks remain in 2020.  Will you join me in devoting each one of those weeks to one of those five actions?  This week, will you take time to consider?  Next week, will you spur another on?  You get the point.  Take it from there.  Use Advent as more than a time of waiting.

#ordinarylives