At our credit union, the script for the tellers says, “ask if they have any big plans for the weekend.”
I want to say, “I may be with a couple people who are dying.”
I don’t say that, of course. It’s needlessly disruptive. But their question is needlessly chipper.
On any given weekend, people are going to funerals. They are going to visit the hospital. They are having last conversations of a marriage, they are counting the days til the last day of work.
The plans for the weekend are big, but may be undesirable.
Of course, the teller doesn’t know this.
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I have some friends who think I should extend some grace to the teller. And to myself.
“Have hope,” they say. “God tells us we have a hope and a future.”
“Don’t you know that the Prince of Peace came?” they say.
“We’re supposed to be joyful people,” they say. “Didn’t the angels say they were bringing good news of great joy?”
“You should love the teller.”
I cringe. They are taking Bible verses out of context. They are confusing joy and happiness. They probably already have their Christmas decorations up.
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Some of us are tentative about Christmas. During the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of death. We’ve seen a lot of betrayal, of division, of uncertainty. Or maybe that’s just what I’ve seen. But I’ve seen it in a research project among church leaders. In talking with patients and families and coworkers. In reading what I read and listening to who I listen to.
So we have the happy people rushing toward Christmas. We have the hurting people tentative about trusting.
Is there a way to rebuild celebration that acknowledges both loss and blessing, both conflict and community, both pain and perseverance?
Earlier, I mentioned hope, peace, joy, and love. These words can be obligations inflicted. They can also be stones for reminding and rebuilding. They are words often used in the church season of Advent.
During December, I’m planning to start fresh this year with my Advent prayers and my Advent sermons and my 300 posts. I’ll be taking you with me.
At least those are my big plans for the weekend.
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You can still look at my existing Advent books:
300 words a day 