Advent
Advent is a reminder to
us of what “time” is all about. We know
that time is divided into past, present and future. We also know that “yesterday is history,
tomorrow is mystery, and today is present, is gift.” We also say that “time flies”. At the end of the day our lives are just a
‘dash’ between two special days: the day we were born and the day we die! We have all kinds of modern technology to
help us control time and use it more efficiently. In the business world we are taught to ‘make
the most of our time’ and to ‘use time wisely.”
We believe that by our use of cell phones, computers, pagers, microwaves
and a host of electronic equipment we can ‘control’ time. But time at the end of the day is beyond our
control – we cannot stop it, we cannot control it. We spend so much of that great gift trying to
‘control’ and save it, rather than ‘spending’ it. Like many people do with their money – they
save and bank, but never spend it or enjoy it.
‘Live the moment’. Scripture
says: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in
it.” (Psalm 119) In the Old Testament Moses, conscious of the
brevity of life prayed: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain
wisdom of heart.” (Psalm 90)
Advent teaches us to see “time” as a gift from God – to be cherished,
enjoyed, and spent well. One poem put it
this way: “And when your life is over
and your eulogy is being read, would you be proud of how you spent your dash”
– the time between your birth and your death.
For Christians time is not static or cyclical, but is progressing
towards an ultimate goal, the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom. We are part of that journey in time. Our lives are part of the story and history,
and fulfillment of God’s plan and God’s Kingdom!
During this special season of Advent, as we
consider how we use God’s gift of time, we might ask ourselves: Are we making the most of our earthly
existence? Maybe so far we have not –
but we can make a fresh start – even if time is running out? It’s never too late to give ourselves to
God! What about our willingness to share
the gift of time with others? Time is
precious and – during certain seasons of the year – something to be protected
for family and friends! How about giving
some of that precious gift to those who are in hospitals, nursing homes,
homebound, alone and lonely! Sharing
time is costly, but what a gift! Doing a
‘good deed’, a work of charity would surely “redeem” the time. It would also help others realize that the
‘Kingdom’ we hope for is already with us, and God is present in this world and
in the good that we do.
Take
Time
Take time to think – thoughts are the source
of power.
Take time to play – play is the secret of
perpetual youth.
Take time to read – reading is the fountain of
wisdom.
Take time to pray – prayer can be a rock of
strength in time of need.
Take time to love – loving is what makes
living worthwhile.
Take time to be friendly – friendships give
life a delicious flavor.
Take time to laugh – laughter is the music of
the soul.
Take time to give – sharing brings joy to your
heart.
Take time to work – work is the price of
success.
Take time to dream – dreams show you what is
possible.
Take time to do your work well – pride in your
work nourishes the mind
and the spirit.
Take time to show appreciation – it’s the
frosting on the cake of life.
[The poem is based on an old English prayer
adapted from a Bible scripture (Eccl. 3:1), and the original author of this
version is unknown.]