Expectation (4)

Scripture
Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping …. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 MSG)

Expectation (4)
We’ve looked at parties, drinking and now it’s shopping left on our list of Jesus’ warnings about dulling our sharp edge of anticipation for his presence in all of life. Some of you know I have an affinity for fountain pens and “pen therapy” was an occasional diversion for me from the realities of life.

But at this time of year our shopping is for gifts for family, friends and obligations to clients and others. It can be a pressure-filled time and can bring out the worst in us as we try to figure out the best gifts to give. They can be offerings of love and care or sometimes ways of imposing ourselves on others.

Giving generously and freely with no strings attached and no expectation of return is what Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection calls us to. As we shop till we drop we can ask for his love to shape our choices and the freedom with which we give to one another and those in need.

May the blessings of friendship both divine and human be yours this season. Go to this link for a pdf of Advent prayers and encouragement ………. I’m taking a break to enjoy those friendships and will see you in the new year.

A Prayer for Today
Loving God, help us to have keen powers of observation when we look and listen to what is happening in life. Give us moments of inner stillness, even when the noise around us is deafening. In the midst of the abundance of this season we are reminded that you left all your abundance to be one of us in all our fragility and weakness – so you can make us strong… for Jesus’ sake