Talk of Advent

 

What is all this cross talk at Advent and Christmas? it doesn't sound too gentle, warm, and cozy? What do you think he came for?

That little vulnerable baby calls you to a life of vulnerability, self-denial, and radical discipleship.

That's Advent!

That's Christmas.

I write this hearing Bing Crosby in the background singing "White Christmas" and wishing me days that are merry and bright.

May you have some of those indeed. God grant it. But don't build your life around them at the cost of taking up your cross daily and following Jesus as a radical disciple.

You can have ease or purpose. I am going for purpose!

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." - Luke 9:23-26 NIV