Socks and Shoes

            Two-and-a-half-year-old Joelle was not ready to end our family Christmas celebration.  Still hopeful there might be more presents somewhere, she pulled out the now-empty Christmas stockings, sat down, and put them on her feet.  Delighted with our laughter, she walked about the living room holding them up like hip waders.

            This is not the first time we have celebrated Christmas early to accommodate travel schedules.  Nor will it be the last.  And I do not mind at all.  In fact, there are definite benefits to celebrating early.  Just at the time when most people are frantically shopping, decorating, and baking for the holidays, I am peacefully done.  I get to soak up the wonder of the Advent season without the rush and hurry. 

            There is much to anticipate even after all the presents have been opened.  Advent is the season of joyful expectation as we remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and look forward to His return.  I still remember the first time I heard about the Second Coming of Christ.  (Maybe I had not been paying attention at church as a child and as a young teen, or maybe it was simply not talked about.)  I was surprised and thought to myself, “Wow!  He’s coming back!”

            No matter your particular beliefs about how the time leading up to Christ’s return will play out, contemplating the certainty of that Second Coming should spur you on with joy.  No matter the trials and tribulations ahead, we know the outcome:  God wins.  What better reason to celebrate, to share the gospel freely, to give generously, to serve wholeheartedly.  We probably won’t put on Christmas stockings like Joelle, but we can take Paul’s words to heart:  “Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace”  (Ephesians 6:15, God’s Word Translation).