Go - December 15, 2017

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15

As this Advent season continues, I am finding myself increasingly thirsting for the time and space to slow everything down. At times it seems as though the speed at which the hours, days and weeks are barreling past me with all of the wonders, commitments, bright lights and holiday celebrations that accompany them, makes it exceedingly easy to get caught up in that flurry of excitement and activity and neglect to take the time to reflect on the magnitude of the moment toward which we are all racing. That singular point in time at which the world would change forever.

But even as these thoughts of regret and loss flow through my mind, I am also reflecting this year on the fact that perhaps there is something else that can be learned this Advent. I am struck this year by the fact that as much as I am seeking the peace and quiet reflection that the birth of our Savior commands I am also mindful of the need to seize the opportunity to live into the invitation to GO! We all need time to slow down this Advent and ensure that our hearts and mind are properly positioned so that we might receive the greatest gift of all on Christmas morning. But I believe it is also incumbent upon us not to let that be the end of the story.

As children of God we are not called to sit and wait forever. It is on each of us to live our lives in the manner that Jesus has taught us. To honor Christ, we must lead a life that touches others with that same loving humility that Jesus did. It would be truly a lost opportunity for us to wait in the wings, keeping the wondrous gift of Jesus to ourselves, while at the same time failing to share Jesus’ love and forgiveness with everyone we meet. It is our call as Christians to live into our role as apostles and go out into the world wherever that call may take us to spread the Good News!

So as we wait this Advent, let’s not be merely interested observers. Let’s be the horses in the starting gate. Let’s store the energy of the peace and reflection that Advent affords to all of us so that when the light of Christ shines on Christmas Day we can become the beacons which reflect throughout the world with all the love and mercy that Jesus would have us do.

Let’s GO!!!

Post by Michael Southwick